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. […]
Cinda Ackerman Klickna
Cinda Klickna is a former teacher from Springfield and past president of the Illinois Education Association.
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 […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Historical site
Want to know when Springfield got its first snowplow? Or find a reference to a relative? Maybe read about crimes and gambling dens in the early 1900s? Or learn more about the 1918 Spanish flu and the 1940s polio epidemic? You can find out about the last hanging in the county, the first person who […]
Posted inNews
Saving a historic round barn
There’s the old joke about a man who dies running around a round barn trying to find a corner to exit. But it isn’t a joke as to what is happening to a round barn located along Interstate 55 near Glenarm. The 60-foot diameter barn with a center silo is being restored by the family […]
Posted inNews
A Springfield view of immigration
An impressive group of speakers will headline two evening forums focused on immigration in Springfield. Sponsored by the Citizens Club of Springfield, the programs will be held Feb. 1 and Feb. 15 6-7:30 at St. John’s Hospital’s Dove Conference Center, 619 E. Mason. Citizens Club President John Kelker, Program Director Beverly Bunch, and lead organizers […]
Posted inNews
Free laundry spruces up dignity
When the storm known as the derecho hit in June, All in One Laundry Center, 801 South Grand, went into action, doing 14,000 loads of laundry over three days. Over 700 families were helped. Those without electricity – some for as long as two weeks, patients of Springfield Clinic, people in need – all received […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
Take your infant to work
We know about “Take Your Daughter/Son to Work” days, but what if you could take your infant to work every day? That is what is happening at the Illinois Educators’ Credit Union here in Springfield, and many companies across the U.S. have implemented a program known as Infant at Work. According to the Parenting in […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Echoes of Yesteryear at Oak Ridge Cemetery
The annual Echoes of Yesteryear Oak Ridge Cemetery walk, sponsored by the Sangamon County Historical Society, has become a popular Sunday event every October. This year the date is Oct. 1. Actors in period costume will portray seven prominent citizens from Springfield who are buried at the beautiful cemetery. Park near the bell tower. Board […]
Posted inMusic
Violins of beauty, history and remembrance
Lilting, soulful and harmonic melodies played on violins will fill Springfield Sept. 7-13. Twelve violins from the international project Violins of Hope will be on display at the Illinois State Museum. Six of the violins will be featured in concerts across town and played by local musicians. The week of music is sponsored by the […]
