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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. 

To our readers:

In this issue of Illinois Heritage we celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Illinois State Archives, the venerable institution that houses the state’s most important government records. We also announce the winners of the 2021 “Best of Illinois History” awards.

Contributor Clark “Bucky” Halker, labor historian and former director of Illinois Humanities, explores Illinois’ rich history of songwriting and labor activism for the earliest days of coal mining through the Industrial Workers of the World (IWW), focusing on the strong religious roots of the movement. In his “Forgotten Voices of Illinois History” essay, John Hallwas reintroduces us to John Hay, the poet, biographer, diplomat, and statesman who had the ear of presidents from Lincoln to Roosevelt. Candace Summers writes about the relatively unknown Bloomington artist Emily Howard, and Todd Carr of Elizabethtown takes us on a spring waterfall hike in the Shawnee National Forest.

Thanks to all of you for renewing your membership in the Illinois State Historical Society. You sustain the great work that began in 1899, to “foster awareness, understanding, research, preservation, and recognition of history in Illinois.” With your continued support, Illinois history will always have a great future.

This issue of Illinois Heritage has much to offer our loyal readers: A profile of John Wood, Illinois' 12th governor and the founder of Quincy; a history of the Mormon Template in Nauvoo and what archaeologists have recently discovered on the site; a Collinsville landmark that roadside travelers relish; and the story of the Fansteel sit-down strike and how it changed labor relations in the nation. Thanks to our several contributors for making this issue possible. Of course we have included the latest Society news, announcements, programs, tours, and historical marker dedications around the state.

It's all good reading in Illinois Heritage. I suggest a warm cup of cider, a mug of hot chocolate, or your favorite winter beverage to begin your adventure in Illinois history.