Community Conversations: BONUS - The Declaration of Independence, 1776
When
Jul 8, 2026
2:00pm–4:00pm
Cost
Free
Join The Hub – Arts & Cultural Center for a bonus edition of Community Conversations: History Belongs to All of Us.
For this conversation, we are revisiting the Declaration of Independence, so if you missed out on the first one (or you just really loved it and want more), this is your chance! We’ll be diving deep into the founding document of the United States, not just to read it, but to annotate and talk about it.
- What does it mean?
- What did it promise?
- How is it relevant today?
This isn’t a lecture. It’s a conversation. Come ready to listen, share, and see history in a whole new way. You do not need to be an expert in American History to participate (but you totally can be); all are welcome!
Bring your curiosity and your appetite, because dinner is on us! We’ll have free pizza and drinks available for attendees.
This isn't a lecture. It's a conversation. Come ready to listen, share, and see history in a whole new way.
Conversations will be facilitated by Moe Billingsley and Xochi Anderson.
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
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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.
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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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