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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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6/30/1937

Unemployment compensation act is passed by the General Assembly. The following day, an eight-hour work day is mandated for women.

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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

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

Abraham Lincoln Event at the Glen Carbon Heritage Museum

Free Event

7/30/2022 5:00 PM
Category: Events

Abraham Lincoln was a young man coming into his own at the same time as Illinois. From 1830 to 1860 both would grow to become integral to the United States, one as President of a nation in crisis, the other as the fourth largest state, full of promise.

Visit us on Saturday, July 30 at 5 p.m. for a glimpse of the past, discussion, and refreshments. This FREE event will be held outdoors a the Glen Carbon Heritage Museum pavilion with museum tours available before and after.

LincolnHome National Historic Site

6/30/2022 1:00 PM
Category: Events

Virtual Voyage-Lincoln Home National Historic Site

LincolnHome National Historic Site
413 S 8th St, Springfield, IL 62701

Thursday, June 30th, 1 p.m. CT (Zoom)
Lincoln’s Home Presenters:
Tim Townsend, Chief of Interpretation
Jasmine Leung, Park Ranger

Macon County History Museum

6/26/2022 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Category: Events

Decatur’s Connection to the 1888-1889 Chicago Cubs World Tour

What does a young orphaned Black boy, Decatur’s first opera house, and the baseball team that would become the Chicago Cubs have in common? Macon County’s official historian, Mark W. Sorensen, ties all those strands together during his presentation at the Macon County History Museum on Sunday, June 26 at 2 p.m.

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Century of Aviation in Dewitt County (5/28/2022)
5/28/2022
Century of Aviation in Dewitt County
This limited-time exhibit features the history of aviation in DeWitt County as it spans a century – from the early pioneers of aviation to barnstormers, test pilots, military airmen, commercial pilots, NASA scientists, and more, to present day.
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Virtual Voyage-Lincoln Home National Historic Site (6/30/2022 1:00 PM)

St. Andrew’s Book Fair Summer Outdoor Clearance Sale (7/1/2022 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM)
7/1/2022 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM
St. Andrew’s Book Fair Summer Outdoor Clearance Sale
St. Andrew’s Book Fair will hold a Summer Outdoor Clearance Sale on Friday and Saturday, July 1-2, on the grounds behind the church and in Pearson Hall. Friday hours are 4 – 8 p.m. and Saturday 8 a.m. – Noon. St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church is located at 406 Hillsboro in Edwardsville. In case of rain, it will be held in Pearson Hall, the church’s parish hall.
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St. Andrew’s Book Fair Summer Outdoor Clearance Sale (7/2/2022 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM)
7/2/2022 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
St. Andrew’s Book Fair Summer Outdoor Clearance Sale
St. Andrew’s Book Fair will hold a Summer Outdoor Clearance Sale on Friday and Saturday, July 1-2, on the grounds behind the church and in Pearson Hall. Friday hours are 4 – 8 p.m. and Saturday 8 a.m. – Noon. St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church is located at 406 Hillsboro in Edwardsville. In case of rain, it will be held in Pearson Hall, the church’s parish hall.
Read more
Walk With General Grant Tour (7/2/2022 10:00 AM)
7/2/2022 10:00 AM
Walk With General Grant Tour
Cost: $20
Ages 10+
Desoto House Hotel, 230 South Main Street, Galena, Illinois

No one knows downtown like our own General Grant. He’s more than happy to take you and your family for a tour of his favorite places on Main Street – like the DeSoto House and the famous Green Street stairs. He’ll share the stories associated with the many buildings on the National Historic Register and share his experiences when his family owned a leather and saddlery shop more than 150 years ago.
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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