PRESS RELEASE: Illinois Humanities Launches Community Conversations Series Statewide

CHICAGO – March 11, 2026 – Illinois Humanities is proud to announce its annual Community Conversations series, a statewide initiative that encourages Illinoisans to explore history through guided dialogue and shared learning together. 

“Community Conversations is about creating space for people to explore history together in ways that feel personal and relevant,” said Nicole Prahin Rodriguez, Senior Manager of Community Conversations at Illinois Humanities. “When our conversations focus on local stories and lived experiences, it opens the door to deeper understanding and connection. Our goal is to ensure that communities across Illinois have the tools and support to engage thoughtfully with their own histories and with one another.” 

Anchored by the theme “History Belongs to All of Us,” Community Conversations will be facilitated by 12 host organizations across eight counties. The series features in-depth discussions and community events highlighting local and regional history. 

As the nation approaches the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, Community Conversations will prioritize local voices and civic participation to ensure Illinois plays a leading role in shaping how this milestone is commemorated. The dialogues will occur at participating libraries, museums, and community organizations across Illinois. One such partner, the Western Illinois Museum in Macomb, Illinois, shares the belief that meaningful engagement with history begins at the local level, through stories, artifacts, and lived experience that connect people to place. 

“By creating opportunities to engage with history, to listen to each other, and to think together about our shared potential, we believe we are finding a powerful way to mark the 250th anniversary of our country,” said Sue Scott, Executive Director of the Western Illinois Museum. 

Community Conversations invites Illinoisans in rural, suburban, and urban communities to reflect on the ideals at the heart of the Declaration and consider how those ideals have evolved over time. The program emphasizes connection, inclusion, and the importance of local storytelling in shaping Illinois’ understanding of the past and vision for the future. 

For more information about Community Conversations or to find a host site near you, visit www.ilhumanities.org/programs/community-conversations.