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Become a member

Becoming a member not only supports the Illinois State Historical Society, but also delivers excellent benefits to you giving you an excellent source of historical literature and resources. We offer multiple membership options for all stages and income levels. Look at our Membership area to find a plan that will work for you and join TODAY.

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Today in history

10/24/1907

The Hennepin Canal is filled with water and opened for its entire length connecting the Mississippi River at Rock Island to the Illinois River near Hennepin in Putnam County. A sister canal to the I & M Canal, this waterway had 33 locks and was the first U.S. canal built of concrete without stone cut facings.

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Publications

Publications

Illinois Heritage is our publication designed to encourage various professional, amateur historians and the general public to explore and write about Prairie State history for a broad audience.

The Journal of the Illinois State Historical Society is the scholarly publication with peer-reviewed Journal articles, essays, and documents about history, literature, art technology, law, and other subjects related to Illinois and the Midwest.

Historical Markers

Historical Markers

Since 1934, the Illinois State Historical Society has erected more than 500 historical markers statewide. Subjects of historical significance to Illinois are co-sponsored by local organizations and supporters. The Illinois State Historical Society coordinates the placement and management of historical markers throughout the state.

Our online store is now open

The Illinois State Historical Society has worked hard to open an online store which features literature and hard-goods which are related to Illinois. These are often hard to find or limited run items.

If you have a history buff in your family that is hard to buy for this is your place to shop! While anyone can purchase items we offer additional discounts to ISHS members. Visit our store to browse the current inventory of items, item availability and inventory will change often.

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Latest News

Dr. Lewis and the Lewis Sanatorium Historical Marker Dedication

Saline County Historical Society, the William G. Pomeroy Foundation, and the Illinois State Historical Society

Dr. James Henry Lewis (1888-1963), pioneering physician will be honored with a marker at 407 East Walnut Street in Harrisburg, IL at the site of the former Lewis Sanatorium. The dedication is at 3 p.m. on Sunday, October 24th.

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The Rough Rider Tours Illinois

History Comes Alive at the Governor Oglesby Mansion!

  • 10/17/2021 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
  • Category: Events
The Rough Rider Tours Illinois

Official Macon County Historian Mark Sorensen will discuss President Theodore Roosevelt’s “Great Loop Tour” of Western states by rail leaving Washington, D.C. on April 1, 1903 and returning June 5, 1903. The tour officially started and ended in Illinois where the president made 16 official stops, including Chicago, Evanston, Freeport, Lincoln and Danville.

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Open House at the Tinley Park Historical Society

Tours Entertainment Fun

  • 12/5/2021 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
  • Category: Events

Tinley Park Historical Society, Open House

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Submit your local history event

Do you have an exciting local history news story or an event that you would like to share? Use this form to submit it and after a quick review it will be added to our news roll or events calendar. The goal is to add news and events from all over the state to celebrate Illinois’ rich history. Get involved and get the word out about news and events in your area.

 

 

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Illinois State Historical Society   |   Strawbridge-Shepherd House   |   PO Box 1800   |   Springfield, IL 62705-1800

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