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John Hancock, a well-traveled, heart-broken poet, arrived in Springfield in the summer of 1831. His journey began in Cornwall, England, in the late 18th century, with stops in Italy, France, London (where he studied law), and Canada before his arrival in the Sangamo Country, where he secured a job selling whisky and sundries in Jacob Capps’ Grocery. According to ISHS director John Hallwas, professor emeritus of history and English at Western Illinois University and a Medievalist who has written more than 20 books about Illinois history and culture, Hancock was the finest poet in the Midwest in the 1830s, a writer of exceptional depth who wanted to capture the Prairie experience in verse. He succeeded admirably. Hallwas’ book, The Poetry of H: Lost Poet of Lincoln’s Springfield (Ellis Press, 1982), is the basis for his new play, The Mysterious Bard of Sangamo, which was recorded this past summer.

The Illinois State Historical Society’s 2021 Centennial Business Awards luncheon has been postponed until 2022. Unfortunately, the resurgence of the COVID 19 virus and its Delta variant has forced us to reconsider a public gathering that could impact the health of your employees, our membership, and the public at large.

On Tuesday, December 3, the Illinois State Historical Society hosts its annual Illinois History Symposium, in conjunction with a UIS "Lunch and Learn" program. Join us for one or all of the Symposium sessions. Morning and afternoon presentations are free to attend with complimentary snack refreshments. The Lunch and Learn program is $23/person and requires a reservation.  

On Saturday, September 14, the Illinois State Historical Society hosted its 35th annual Centennial Business Awards luncheon, this time at Jacksonville's Hamilton's Catering and banquet hall facility. The venue was most appropriate: "Doc" Hamilton started his business in 1913. This year more than 35 applicants sought Centennial status with the Society, and each received a Centennial certificate and a seat at the table.

The Illinois State Historical Society is now accepting applications for the 2019 ISHS Centennial Business Awards. 

Was your Illinois-based business founded in 1919 or earlier? Has it been accepted into the ISHS Centennial Business database and been recognized by the Society at the annual Centennial Awards luncheon? If not, go to the Society's web page at www.historyillinois.org and download an application. If you're having trouble finding the appropriate documentation for determining your business's eligibility, we can help. 

This year's applications are due in July. Don't wait to apply. The Society is honoring this year's inductees on September 14!