DeKalb County History Center Previews Exhibit Marking 250th Anniversary of United States

SYCAMORE — The DeKalb County History Center will offer a sneak preview of its new exhibit We the People of DeKalb County during the May 7 Brown Bag Lunch program, part of a broader effort to mark the 250th anniversary of the United States. The full exhibit is set to open May 30 at the History Center, with related displays planned at sites across DeKalb County. Executive Director Michelle Donahoe will introduce the exhibit and its themes, which focus on local history and civic participation while highlighting stories often left out of traditional historical narratives. The exhibit draws on themes identified by the Illinois 250 committee and examines how residents of DeKalb County have reflected the ideals of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, including equality, rights, and civic responsibility. The program will include examples of individuals featured in the exhibit, images of artifacts, and information on planned hands-on activities and public programming throughout the year. The Brown Bag Lunch series is held monthly in partnership with the Ellwood House Museum and will take place at the History Center at 1730 North Main Street in Sycamore. The event is free and open to the public, and attendees are encouraged to bring lunch.