Annual Funding Appeal

Please make a gift today. Illinois history isn't the same without you!

Dear friends of the Illinois State Historical Society,

The year 2015 is almost history, but your Society continues its mission “to foster awareness, understanding, research, preservation and recognition of history in Illinois.” With the Illinois bicentennial now only two years away, we look forward to commemorating and celebrating with you two centuries of Prairie State history.

But first, let me tell you about the exciting activities and events your Society has been involved in over the last twelve months. In April the Society hosted its annual awards luncheon and annual meeting at the Old State Capitol in Springfield. In addition to three lifetime achievement awards, the ISHS presented more than 30 awards to champions of Illinois history. ISHS historical markers were unveiled and dedicated in DeKalb (3), Springfield (2), Earlville (2), and new ones are planned for Murphysboro, Watseka, Secor, Chicago, and Rock Island.

In May the Society partnered with the Lincoln Funeral Coalition to present a luncheon program in Springfield as part the 150th commemoration of the Lincoln funeral. Later that month the Society and its Hostick Scholarship partner, the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency, distributed $26,000 in scholarship funds to nine scholars finishing their dissertations on various aspects of Illinois history. In September we partnered with several historical organizations to co-sponsor the annual Abraham Lincoln Colloquium at the new Lincoln Heritage Museum. In October we co-sponsored the annual Lincoln Legacy Lectures at the University of Illinois Springfield, which focused on Lincoln and the history of voting rights. Throughout the year the Society has also co-sponsored six “Lunch and Learn” programs for the University of Illinois Springfield's SAGE Alumni organization. The November program featured a panel discussion of the 50th anniversary of the beginning of the Vietnam war.

In addition to these remarkable programs, the ISHS continues to publish its scholarly, The Journal of the Illinois State Historical Society, and Illinois Heritage, both outstanding publications that appeal to scholars and history enthusiasts around the globe. (Yes, we have subscribers on several continents!)

Your support as a member of the Society is vital to our mission and to our daily operations. And your tax-deductible gifts ensure that we continue to reach new generations of Prairie State historians—students, professionals, and amateurs.

Please make a gift today by using our online donation page (Donations). Illinois history isn't the same without you!

With warm wishes for the holidays,

William Furry
Executive Director