History Belongs to All of Us: A Conversation About the Autobiography “Life of Ma-Ka-Tai-Me-She-Kia-Kiak”
When
Jun 18, 2026
5:30pm–7:30pm
Cost
Free
The Western Illinois Museum will host the next History Belongs to All of Us community conversation focusing on the 1833 autobiography Life of Ma-Ka-Tai-Me-She-Kia-Kiak, or Black Hawk.
Through the words of Sauk leader and warrior Black Hawk, participants will explore the relationship between people and land, examining themes of migration, land use, and ownership. The conversation invites community members to consider how different perspectives shape our understanding of American history and the meaning of place in Illinois
Pizza supper served at 5:30 p.m., followed by conversation and dessert at 6:30 p.m.
This is the third 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 event in the series on 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.
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