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In this issue of Illinois Heritage we meet several interesting people from our Prairie State past—Studs Terkel, Milton Kimbler, Eve Josephson Garrison, ––and we revisit Eldorado, Illinois, at the turn of the last century when rioters shut down a Tuskegee model school for African American children and created a “sundown town” in southern Illinois. We also look at the Potawatomi Trail of Death, which came through central Illinois in 1837.

The Heritage is published six times per year and is available as a benefit of membership in the Illinois State Historical Society. Individual editions can also be purchased by contacting our office directly. Visit our Membership section for membership options and information. Click on the “Read More” button to see this issue’s Editor's Comments, Table of Contents, and sample articles.

Unfortunately, due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the state’s efforts to curtail the spread of the virus, we have opted not to host our Sesquicentennial House of Worship Awards Luncheon on September 26, but will, instead, hold an invitation for those to attend the next gathering, should our public health officials clear our path to do so in 2021. We regret having to cancel this important gathering of Illinois houses of worship, as it has become one of our favorite events. Letters confirming this will be sent out shortly to all who have applied.

The Illinois Bicentennial is now entering its fifth month. We hope you and your historical society or museum are finding significant and creative ways to celebrate and commemorate the anniversary, not just for the year, but for the future. Visit us on our website (www.historyillinois.org) and tell us what your community has planned. We’ll do our best to help you get the word out. 

In this issue of Illinois Heritage we celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Illinois Vietnam Veterans Memorial, meet forgotten playwright Charles Dazey, learn how amateur historians and genealogists can change history, and sit down to lunch with Sesquicentennial Church congregations.

Share your Heritage!

This March–April issue of Illinois Heritage highlights the recognition of thirty Illinois churches and synagogues that have been in continuous fellowship for 150 years or more. Currently, more than 200 churches and synagogues have been recognized by the ISHS.

The Bicentennial Year is well underway with many special events planned by local historical societies, libraries, government agencies and other community organizations. As an individual, consider reading one or more books listed in the Illinois Classics: A Bicentennial Reading List, a twelve-month reading list that includes novels, nonfictional works, and poetry, all by Illinois authors and expressive of the Illinois experience. 

This issue expresses not only the variety of interests in the state, but what is important at different periods in our state’s history.