How Public Humanities Are Fueling the Forge of Democracy

Dear friend, 

Two hundred and fifty years ago, a revolutionary idea was set down on paper: that all people are created equal with natural rights that cannot be taken away, and that governments derive their power from the consent of the people being governed.

The Declaration of Independence set forth a promise to be upheld by each generation.

For more than 250 years, Illinois residents have struggled, organized, created, protested, celebrated, and dreamed into being the ideals inherent in that promise.

The young history of the United States is a journey of both being and becoming. It is a story written as it happens, of people testing, experimenting, and debating what is required to make good on the ideals of liberty, equality, and democracy for all.

In Illinois, that work is woven into our identity.

Our state has been home to transformative movements, from abolitionist efforts that preceded the Civil War, to multiracial labor movements that reshaped workers’ rights nationwide and inspired the world, to civil rights and mutual aid organizing that continues to push against systemic segregation and inequality.

Illinois has enriched the way America shares its story through the imaginations of artists, writers, historians, musicians, and civic leaders whose creations have helped generations find belonging, understand themselves, their communities, and their place in our democracy.

Illinois has long been a place where Americans wrestle with big questions in ways that impact the entire country: Who belongs? Who gets to participate? And perhaps most importantly, who gets to tell the story of "us?"

I believe history belongs to all of us.

But without making and protecting intentionally designed opportunities to gather, share, debate, and reflect on -and righting - our pursuit of democracy becomes increasingly difficult to do.

The programs Illinois Humanities has shepherded into being this year reflect our stalwart commitment to centering people's lived experiences through the public humanities.

Illinois Voices 250 is designed to ensure this moment is documented in ways that include voices and perspectives traditionally left out of national history.  We are collecting conversations with people in all 102 counties across the state, rural and urban, young and old, lifelong residents and new arrivals. Thanks to our special partnership with Story Corps Studios, conversations will be preserved at the American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress for future generations. 

We're hosting community recording days around the state, and we'll be at the State Fair! But we have an easy "Do it yourself" option. All you need is a phone or computer and the internet to il250.org/il-voices. We are grateful to all the partner organizations around the state who part of this effort.

It is critical we help future generations understand the multitudinous "we" of this moment; but equally important it is critical to affirm to our communities that their stories matter right now.

In 2026 and 2027 two of our core programs, Road Scholars and Community Conversations, are extending the invitation for everyone to share their voice and ideas.

Through Road Scholars, Illinois Humanities brings historians, storytellers, and civic leaders to communities across Illinois, creating opportunities for learning, dialogue, and discovery at no cost to hosting organizations and attendees.

Community Conversations at sites around the state invite community members to discuss the enduring ideals, challenges, and possibilities of American democracy. We invite you to check out what offerings are happening near you: ilhumanities.org/events.

July 4 is a birthday party but the 250th lasts all 2026 long.

On July 8, join us at the Peoria Riverfront Museum for free family activities, a community reading of the Declaration of Independence, exhibition tours, and a live panel discussion exploring both the legacy of our nation's founding and the work that remains ahead. I'm looking forward to hosting this live, nationally streamed conversation with Shermann “Dilla” Thomas, Dennis Stroughmatt, Preston Jackson, and Rose Miron. 

Illinois Humanities is more committed than ever to building space for these conversations, communities, and commitments. The truth is we can barely meet the demand for resources and programs. People want to make meaning of this anniversary and we want to help them.

Record a conversation with someone you care about.

Travel to one of the many places where our diverse residents fought to pursue equality and happiness.

Join with your neighbors - or meet new people - to read the declaration of independence or be part of a community conversation.

This is the public humanities in action.

It's how democracy is forged.

And the 250th is the perfect fuel for the fire we want, need and deserve.           

Sincerely,

Gabrielle Lyon