Newsroom

Controversial speech, inflammatory cartoons, edgy social media posts -- for more than 200 years, First Amendment issues have influenced art and civic life. Join us at 5:45 p.m. to hear historian Christian McWhirter discuss the free-speech issues that Abraham Lincoln faced. Then at 6:15, watch a panel discussion on freedom of speech and expression. Moderated by former WGN anchor Robert Jordan, “More Speech: A Conversation about the First Amendment” will feature the diverse perspectives of artists, journalists, historians, librarians, legal professionals, and civic leaders. 

The 51st Annual Apple 'n Pork Festival will take place September 28th & 29th, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. at the C.H. Moore Homestead DeWitt County Museum grounds in Clinton, Illinois. Wear your comfortable shoes and stroll the C.H. Moore Homestead DeWitt County Museum grounds – the home and heart of the Apple ’n Pork Festival! 

The September–October issue of Illinois Heritage straddles a couple of centuries, with articles on the Constitutional Convention of 1870, Humanitarian Jane Addams, and the 1949 St. Anthony’s Hospital fire in Effingham. We jump forward and into the past with our interview with Leslie Goddard, an actor who interprets historical figures from three centuries. And we step outside the boundaries of Illinois for a ride on the riverboat Twilight, just to see our state from another point of view.

Thanks to all who have helped make this issue possible, contributors, donors, advertisers, letter writers, and readers. You’re the best. Share your Heritage!

Ride the newly restored 1931 Ahrens-Fox Fire Engine! This spectacular truck accommodates six to eight people and will run two to three times per hour. What an adventure this will be!

On Sunday, October 6th from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m., the Wilmette Historical Museum, 609 Ridge Road in Wilmette, will host the opening of a new exhibit, Wilmette in Photographs, 1850-1950. The Main Gallery exhibit explores a century of photographs of Wilmette people and places.