The Young Men’s Christian Association was founded in London in 1844 as a refuge for young men. The first U.S. YMCA opened in Boston in 1851. A group of young men met on March 25, 1874, at the First Presbyterian Church, Seventh and Capitol Streets, to discuss forming a Springfield YMCA. The impetus was to […]
Karen Ackerman Witter
Karen Ackerman Witter started freelance writing after a 35-year career in state government holding various senior leadership positions. Prior to retiring she was associate director of the Illinois State Museum for 14 years. She is the past president of the Kidzeum Board of Directors and is an active volunteer with the Rotary Club of Springfield Sunrise, Women for Women giving circle of the Community Foundation, NPR Illinois and other community organizations.
Posted inArts & Culture
PILLSBURIED: Art, artifacts and curiosities from the former Pillsbury site
For a unique and immersive experience, head downtown to 413 E. Adams St. from 6-9 p.m. March 28 or 29 and see a one-of-a-kind, massive art installation inspired by the rich history and subsequent decay of the Pillsbury Mills site. Over two tons of artifacts, building remnants and other curiosities from the former Pillsbury site […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
Diversify your workouts
Everybody knows exercise is good for you, during all phases of your life. Sarcopenia is the loss of muscle mass and strength as we age. Cardio workouts, balance exercises, and strength and resistance training are all part of many exercise regimes to help fight sarcopenia and maintain mobility, strength, endurance and balance. Any form of […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Pastel Society gives back
The Illinois Prairie Pastel Society (IPPS) will present an exhibition of paintings by members at the Springfield Art Association (SAA) March 1-30, with a public reception on Friday, March 15, 5:30-7:30 p.m. The show will be judged by Aline Ordman, a nationally known pastel artist from Vermont, who will also conduct a three-day workshop for […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Springfield native back home at the Hoogland
Jacob Seidman, 33, grew up in Springfield where theater and dance were a huge part of his life. He now lives in Los Angeles where he is focused on writing, acting and producing. He was a member of the Springfield Ballet Company (SBC) throughout high school and spent countless hours at the Hoogland Center for the […]
Posted inNews
Honoring Springfield native Julius Rosenwald, America’s first social philanthropist
Give while you live. That was the mantra of Julius Rosenwald. He amassed a fortune as the president of Sears, Roebuck and Company. He used his wealth to create a remarkable legacy, providing a lead gift to found the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago and funding schools for African Americans throughout the South. […]
Posted inNews
New “Lincoln’s Springfield” exhibit
Developing an exhibit targeted at schoolchildren has been in the Lincoln Home National Historic Site master plan for over a decade. “This exhibit never would have been completed if it had to depend on federal funding,” said Timothy Good, superintendent of Lincoln Home NHS. The Lincoln Presidential Foundation led the project, hired the exhibit designer […]
Posted inNews
Lincoln’s new neighbor
Lincoln Home National Historic Site (NHS) now has a new exhibit targeted at the many students who visit each year. This is the first youth-oriented exhibit within the Lincoln Home NHS and the first new exhibit in 20 years. “Lincoln’s Springfield” is the result of a partnership with the Lincoln Presidential Foundation and a gift […]
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First Pres enlarges its welcome
The bright red arched door of First Presbyterian Church, across from Lincoln Library on Seventh Street in downtown Springfield, beckons people from all walks of life to enter. The church has a long history of service and commitment to the Springfield community. Beautiful Tiffany stained-glass windows, a specially designed pipe organ with 3,250 pipes and […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
Grandpa plays baseball
Ron Michaelson had a long and distinguished career in Illinois state government, first moving to Springfield to work for Gov. Richard Ogilvie. He still resides in Springfield and has always been physically active. Michaelson loves baseball. He started in Little League when he was eight and is still playing at 81. He competes in the […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Restoring gravestones of Civil War veterans
Paul Golladay is on a mission. He is Sergeant First Class with the Illinois Army National Guard, serving full time as Officer Candidate School Course Manager. However, his volunteer mission is to restore gravestones of Civil War veterans buried at Oak Ridge Cemetery. Many of the marble markers are leaning or fallen over and covered […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Bring back the bison
The shiny silver buffalo on the grounds of the Springfield Art Association (SAA), 700 North Fourth Street, is a beloved community icon that is now in need of restoration. John Kearney, a Chicago-based artist, created the 800-pound sculpture out of chrome car bumpers. The “Bicentennial Bison” was installed Oct. 18, 1975, in the SAA courtyard. […]
