Explore shared Illinois history with Curator of History Erika Holst on June 11 at 6 p.m. in the Interpretive Center Theater!

Historical objects enrich our understanding of and connection to the past. In commemoration of America 250, this program takes a look at Illinois history through the lens of ten objects from the collection of the Illinois State Museum. Each of these objects sheds light on the experiences of the people who used them against the backdrop of different times in Illinois history. Time periods covered include the first Indigenous peoples of Illinois; Illinois at the time of the Revolutionary War; Euro-American immigration; the Civil War, immigration; forgotten Illinoisans; the Great Depression; and the Vietnam War.

Attendees are encouraged to bring an object (or photo of an object) of personal or family significance. At the end of the presentation, attendees will be invited to give voice to their own family and personal stories by sharing the stories associated with these objects. This presentation hopes to convey that history is actively being created every day and our own objects and experiences are vital parts of it.

About the Speaker: Erika Holst is the Curator of History at the Illinois State Museum. She has worked in the public history field for more than 20 years, during which time she has curated more than a dozen exhibitions. She is passionate about sharing stories of people and history through material culture. She holds an MA from the Winterthur Program in Early American Culture through the University of Delaware. Erika’s publications include Wicked Springfield: Crime, Corruption, and Scandal During the Lincoln Era; Edwards Place: A Springfield Treasure; and Historic Houses of Lincoln’s Illinois, as well as several scholarly and popular articles.