BISHOP HILL – The Bishop Hill Heritage Association will host a free presentation exploring Illinois history through 10 objects from the Illinois State Museum’s collection on Thursday, October 22. The program is part of local efforts to recognize America’s 250th birthday this year.
Illinois State Museum Curator Erika Holst will lead the presentation, examining how objects reveal the experiences of people throughout different periods of Illinois history. Topics will include the first Indigenous peoples of Illinois, the Revolutionary War era, women’s history, the Civil War, immigration, the Great Depression and World War II.
Attendees are encouraged to bring an object or photograph with personal or family significance. Participants will have an opportunity to share the stories behind their items, highlighting how personal experiences and everyday objects contribute to the understanding of history.
The one hour program begins at 6 p.m. at the Steeple Building Museum, located at 103 North Bishop Hill Street. The event is co-presented by the Illinois Humanities Road Scholars Speaker Bureau. For more information, call the Bishop Hill Heritage Association at 309-927-3899 or email bhha@mymctc.net.