History Belongs to All of Us: Land Grant and Nicholas Welch Conversation
When
May 28, 2026
5:30pm–7:30pm
Cost
Free
This community conversation explores how paying soldiers with land helped catalyze American population expansion and shaped patterns of migration, land ownership, and settlement in the early United States. Using the original land grant document as a primary source, participants will reflect on how national policies influenced local development and family histories in McDonough County.
Following the conversation, guests will have an opportunity to tour the McDonough County Genealogical Society’s research center and learn about the resources available to help trace family histories and connections to the region.
Pizza supper served at 5:30 p.m., followed by conversation and dessert at 6:30 p.m.
This is the second event in the "History Belongs to All of Us" conversation series presented in partnership with the Western Illinois Museum. Save the date for the remaining events in the series on June 18 and July 16.
For more information, please visit wimuseum.org.
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.
Western Illinois Museum
The Western Illinois Museum is a community hub that connects the surrounding residents with their history and culture. Learn more about the history of the museum.
Follow @WIMuseum: Facebook | YouTube | Website
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.
© Copyright 2026 Illinois Humanities