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The April May edition of Illinois Heritage showcases features by our favorite writers—”Forgotten Voices of Illinois History” (John Hallwas), “Women Artists in Illinois, (Kristan H. McKinsey), “The Lincoln Collection” (James Cornelius), “Historical Headlines” (Mark Sorensen)—but also some new contributors who cast their spotlights on places and people and events in Illinois that deserve our attention. Thanks to Juliene McCormick, Mike Matejka, and Dean Karau for sharing their resources and talents.

The Illinois Heritage is just one of the benefits of being a member of the Illinois State Historical Society. Members also receive the quarterly Journal of the Illinois State Historical Society, a 20% discount on most Society publications, invitations to Society events, tours at a discounted rate, and are eligible to participate in Society elections and serve on the Society Board, Advisory Board, and Committees. 

Become a member today and help preserve and promote Illinois history. 

The Illinois State Historical Society (ISHS) revealed the 2022 “Best of Illinois History” award winners on Saturday, April 9, at 11:30 at the Hoogland Center for the Arts in Springfield. This year’s award recipients traveled across the state and the nation to accept their awards, which celebrate the best Illinois history books and authors, exhibits and exhibitors, filmmakers, playwrights, and over-achievers who make the Prairie State an outstanding place “to foster awareness, understanding, research, preservation, and recognition of history in Illinois.”

Before Lincoln. . .
Before Lindsay. . .
There was John Hancock, the “Mysterious Bard of Sangamo,” a prolific and accomplished poet from the land of King Arthur who roamed the Sangamo Country from 1831-1847.

The Madison County Historical Society (MCHS) has added a gallery to the Archival Library so selected items from the Museum Collections can be available for public viewing while renovations continue at the Weir House.

Hi. I’m Bob Sampson, the new editor of the Journal of the Illinois State Historical Society. Many of our individual and institutional subscribers have had questions about the Journal. Specifically, why has it not appeared regularly in the past two years?