Newsroom

Care about Illinois history enough to make a solid (bronze) commitment to the Illinois State Historical Society? Donors of $2500 or more will receive "The Conversation," a limited (25 total made) edition casting of a new statuette by renowned Lincoln sculptor John McClarey.

Last year the Illinois State Historical Society commissioned a limited special bronze casting of John McClarey’s statuette “The Conversation.” which features seated representations of President Abraham Lincoln and abolitionist Frederick Douglass in their first conversation in the White House, which took place on August 10, 1863. A very limited number of signed, numbered statuettes are available to individuals who contribute $2,500 or more to the ISHS's endowment fund. Each statuette comes with a certificate of authenticity and the gratitude of the Society’s Board of Directors.

To order “The Conversation,” call 217-525-2781 today.

This issue of Illinois Heritage looks to the history of previous pandemics and offers some thoughtful instruction on how our ancestors coped with contagion without antibiotics, the CDC, or the Internet. Thanks to Allen Croessmann and John Hallwas for their research and fascination with public health history. 

We also meet some very interesting individuals who added art and perspective to our vision of the Prairie State through our ongoing series “Voices from Illinois History” and “Illinois Women Artists.”

Our other feature articles in the May-June issue deserve your attention too. Beth Young’s article about Civil War-era nurse Louise Maertz is a tribute to our current care providers on the frontlines of the war against COVID-19; the summaries of civil rights pioneer Frederick Douglass’s lectures from his 1866 visits to Springfield are revealing of Reconstruction-era politics; and Guy Fraker’s analysis of a forgotten Lincoln legal case should illuminate lawyers and arm-chair scholars alike.

Be safe, practice self-distancing, be kind to others, and share your Heritage.