People arrive early with their picnics and bottles of wine, setting everything out on blankets or at picnic tables, enjoying a summer evening before the opening of a play at the Springfield Municipal Opera near Lake Springfield. This summer marks the 75th year that the Muni has been wowing audiences with tremendous performances. Casts have […]
Cinda Ackerman Klickna
Cinda Klickna is a former teacher from Springfield and past president of the Illinois Education Association.
Posted inSpecial Issues
Hymnody of Earth
A hammered dulcimer, a cappella ensembles, percussion, a 72-member choir, bird songs, nature walks – all will come together May 30-June 1 in a three-day, three-venue festival of music called Hymnody of Earth, a series of musical numbers composed by Malcolm Dalglish. Sponsored by the Springfield Choral Society, in partnership with Lincoln Memorial Garden and […]
Posted inNews
A history steeped in faith and advocacy
A historic 1840 bell will peal forth loudly from the tower of Westminster Presbyterian Church on May 18, calling parishioners to gather in celebration of the church’s 190th anniversary. Inside, starting at 10 a.m., a festive service will include trumpets, three special anthems – including one from 1835 (under the direction of Dale Rogers) and […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Historic Bunn Farm gifted to Refuge Ranch
Introducing horse care and riding to traumatized children has been proven to be effective therapy. The Refuge Ranch in Rochester utilizes that strategy and will now be able to expand its work due to a generous donation from Glennon and Jan Paul of a seven-acre historic farm in Springfield. Refuge Ranch, started by Stephan and […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
Memories of Myers Brothers
When it was announced last month that Springfield’s iconic 98-year-old Myers Building would go up for auction, it sparked memories of the old Myers Brothers Department Store that brought many years of Christmas season bustle to downtown. Here is a remembrance of department store days gone by. For decades, downtown Springfield was a hustling, bustling […]
Posted inNews
Bringing global awareness to Springfield
In September over 100 people dined on Polish cuisine and then heard a fascinating presentation from former Polish ambassador Daniel Fried. In October another large group gathered, this time dining on selections from China, Afghanistan and Austria, and then listening to engaging stories and watching videos about music as a form of diplomacy. The program […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Parable of the Peacock
Brent Bohlen of Springfield has done it again. His third political satire has been released and is receiving glowing reviews. The blurb on the back cover reads, “The Parable of the Peacock Redux provides a satirical review of the past four years in the life of a sore loser…so many behavioral outrages that readers may […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Echoes of Yesteryear at Oak Ridge Cemetery
On Sept. 29, come to Oak Ridge Cemetery for the Sangamon County Historical Society’s annual cemetery walk. Hear about seven Springfield citizens who now rest in Oak Ridge’s beautiful grounds. Meet a blind woman, Springfield’s first rabbi, a Black civil rights activist, our State Capitol’s architect, a woman business entrepreneur, a swindler and a singer. […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
ISM closes for several months
Once again, the Illinois State Museum is closed, but this time only temporarily, unlike the shut-down implemented by former Gov. Bruce Rauner in 2015. This time much-needed plumbing work, as well as asbestos removal, has required ISM to close its doors. Currently, it is expected that the museum will be closed for three months. Staff […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
New life for a historic house
Vendors, food, music, interpreters, pies and even a bike ride will be part of the Historic Marbold Farmstead Association’s annual heritage festival Sept. 7 and 8. The association’s goal has been to restore the Marbold mansion located at the edge of Greenview, Illinois. A little more than a decade ago, the mansion was a rundown, […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
Adaptable homes
What if you could live in a home that is designed for a current physical health need – OR – for a need that might occur in the future? That is the premise behind Cathy Boerke’s new Springfield business, AdaptABILITY Homes. With the motto “Living Forward,” the business offers home construction, home assessments and digital […]
Posted inNews
Springfield connections to the underground railroad
Oak Ridge Cemetery in Springfield is the resting place of several underground railroad conductors. Honoring these brave men – both Black and white – has been a part of the work of the Sangamon County Historical Society. At a recent meeting of the SCHS, information about five conductors who hailed from Springfield was shared as […]
