Community Conversations: The Declaration of Independence
When
Apr 26, 2026
2:00pm–4:00pm
Cost
Free
Join us for the first of four Community Conversations: History Belongs to All of Us, a free, facilitated program series brought to you by The Hub – Arts & Cultural Center in partnership with Illinois Humanities!
In this first session, we'll be diving deep into the founding document of the United States, not just to read it, but to talk about it. What does it mean? What did it promise? How is it relevant today?
Bring your curiosity, your opinions, and your appetite, because The Bread Basket is bringing the snacks!
This isn't a lecture. It's a conversation. Come ready to listen, share, and see history in a whole new way.
This event is free and open to the public. Conversations will be facilitated by Moe Billingsley and Xochi Anderson.
Save the Dates for the rest of the series: May 31 | June 28 | July 19, 2026 at 2:00 PM
More About...
Community Conversations: History Belongs to All of Us
“History Belongs to All of Us,” part of Illinois Humanities' Community Conversations program, explores treasures from Illinois archives and collections to uncover how the people who lived in Illinois before, during, and after the founding of the United States responded to this world-changing document. While Illinois would not be part of the United States until 1783, it was diverse with European immigrants from mostly France and Britain living alongside Native Kaskaskia, Peoria, Michigamea, Moingwena, Tamoroa, and Cahokia tribes. Enslaved Fulani, Ashanti, Yoruba, and Mandinka people -- immigrants against their will -- labored in salt mines, agriculture, and service in different parts of the territory even through early statehood. In this way, Illinois reflected the complex history of the nation itself as the Declaration of Independence and its influence spread across the globe.
Contact
Suite 650, 125 South Clark St.
Chicago, IL 60603
312.422.5580 312.374.6787 Fax
Illinois Humanities is supported in part by the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) and the Illinois General Assembly [through the Illinois Arts Council], as well as by contributions from individuals, foundations, and corporations.
Illinois Humanities respects the privacy of its audiences and will at no time sell or distribute personal information to any party not directly affiliated with Illinois Humanities and its programs.
Any views, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed by speakers, program participants, or audiences do not necessarily reflect those of the NEH, Illinois Humanities, our partnering organizations, or our funders.
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