Above / During 2018, more than 30 distinguished speakers and storytellers will host more than 150 Bicentennial events statewide to present the history of Illinois, a state with three capitols, Kaskaskia, Vandalia and Springfield. The Old State Capitol in Springfield, pictured here, was built as the fifth of six capitol buildings for Illinois.
EDWARDSVILLE, IL (Jan. 12, 2018) — The Governor’s Office of the Illinois Bicentennial and Illinois Humanities today announced a yearlong partnership: The Bicentennial Road Scholars Speakers Bureau. The announcement was made at the Mannie Jackson Center for the Humanities in Edwardsville.
This year’s edition of Illinois Humanities’ popular Road Scholars program will feature writers, folklorists, storytellers, musicians, living history actors and others who are being tapped to add historical flair to Illinois’ yearlong Bicentennial celebration.
“We are honored to be associated with such a prestigious organization and to bring these historical discussions to citizens all across Illinois,” said Randy Dunn, Bicentennial Commission Co-Chair and President of the Southern Illinois University System. “Community groups, museums, libraries, schools and others can apply to bring these free admission presentations to their communities.”
Road Scholars participants Barbara Kay, Marlene Rivero and Dennis Stroughmatt were on hand for the announcement.
“In cooperation with the Illinois Bicentennial Commission and the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, we are proud to devote this season of Road Scholars to exploration of Illinois history and culture,” said Illinois Humanities Executive Director Angel Ysaguirre. “Presenters who are sharing their talents with us this season will lead us on a fascinating journey through all the nooks and crannies of Illinois’ complex identity.”
A complete list of the 2018 Bicentennial Road Scholars and application to host a scholar can be found here.
Illinois Humanities
Illinois Humanities works to build dialogue across all sectors of society to examine issues important to democracy in the focus areas of public policy, media & journalism, business, and art. Using the humanities as a tool to stimulate discussion, we create experiences across Illinois through programming, events, and grant-making to engage a diverse public on ideas and issues that matter.
Illinois Bicentennial
On Dec. 3, 1818, Illinois became the 21st state in the union. The Illinois Bicentennial is a yearlong celebration of what has been BORN, BUILT & GROWN in the state and an invitation to fall in love with Illinois all over again.
Citizens are encouraged to participate in the celebration by visiting www.illinois200.com and using the hashtag #IllinoisProud. Partners and event and project managers planning activities between Dec. 3, 2017, and Dec. 3, 2018, can apply for endorsement to become an official part of Illinois Bicentennial by visiting the PARTICIPATE page at www.Illinois200.com.
News submitted by Stuart Lang for the Office of the Governor Bruce Rauner.
