Monarch butterflies became the Illinois state insect in 1975. They’re also an important pollinator, meaning they’re crucial to the survival of flowers and plants, including those we eat to stay alive. Unfortunately, monarchs are in significant decline, so much so that they’re considered a candidate under the Endangered Species Act, though they haven’t yet made… Continue reading SAVE THE MONARCHS!
You may have already witnessed the return of these hyper little birds flitting around your garden, but if not, it’s only a matter of time. Hummingbirds generally return to Illinois during the early part of May, seeking out flowers, feeders, and a safe place to make their nests. Illinois typically sees ruby-throated hummingbirds, like the… Continue reading The Hummingbirds Are Coming!
On May 6, 1935, the Works Progress Administration (WPA) was formed as part of President Roosevelt’s New Deal. The WPA employed millions of Americans to carry out public works projects. One of the most famous projects was the Federal Project Number One (Federal One), which employed musicians, artists, writers, and theater professionals to produce work that spoke… Continue reading WPA Artists Fay Chong and Yasuo Kuniyoshi: Asian Pacific American Heritage Month
On this day, Franklin D. Roosevelt established the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) as part of his New Deal legislation to combat high unemployment during the Great Depression. What was the CCC? It was a nationwide, voluntary work relief program for young men that planted more than three billion trees and constructed trails and shelters in… Continue reading Roosevelt’s Tree Army: The New Deal’s Civil Conservation Corp
Dox Thrash’s print of an African-American ship riveter highlights several Works Progress Administration period stories. The man does his part to support the defense industry at the start of America’s World War II involvement. He is heroic in proportion, honoring the worker as an important figure in America’s recovery. Thrash, an African American artist who… Continue reading Dox Thrash, Defense Worker, c.1941
Happy 112th Birthday, Gertrude! Chicago artist Gertrude Abercrombie was born on February 17, 1909. She passed away in 1977, but her legacy as an artist is alive and well. Several of the Museum’s Abercrombie paintings have traveled to Michigan City, IN. The Lubeznik Center for the Arts’ exhibition Lost and Looking features artwork about remembering our… Continue reading Happy 112th Birthday Gertrude!
On February 19, 1942, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed Executive Order 9066, which ordered the removal of “resident enemy aliens” to internment camps. Although this order also affected Italian- and German-Americans, Japanese-Americans made up the majority of the detainees. Japanese immigrants and their descendants were systematically rounded up and housed in cramped detention centers, regardless… Continue reading Miyoko Ito
Robert Sill, Director of Collections and Research for the Illinois State Museum Robert Sill was promoted to Director of Collections and Research. Sill has been a curator of art for the Illinois State Museum (ISM) for the past 30 years serving as Assistant Director of Art and History since 2005 and Interim Director of Art… Continue reading Sill Named New Director of Collections and Research
Jennifer EdgintonDirector of Interpretation, Illinois State Museum Jenn Edginton (she/her/hers) is the new Director of Interpretation at the Illinois State Museum. She believes museums are for everyone and works to make them a safe, welcoming, and enriching space for all. In her new role, Edginton will work closely with the education and exhibit departments to… Continue reading Meet Jenn Edginton, Director of Interpretation
By Vincent June Chappelle Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. On a calm winter morning, 92 years ago, a ‘King’ entered a world that would undoubtedly test him and pull out every bit of potential he possessed. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was born January 15, 1929, in Atlanta, Georgia, to the late Alberta Christine… Continue reading Remembering the Legacy
