Route History, a Springfield museum that opened in 2019 to share stories about the tragedy, resilience and excellence of Black people along historic Route 66, is the brainchild of Dr. Gina Lathan. “I’m a researcher by trade, and when I became a grandma, I wanted to make sure my grandson, Blake, knew he came from […]
Culture
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Blacks in Springfield theater
You have been in theater for nearly 20 years. What is it about the stage that keeps you coming back for more? Reggie Guyton: Theater has saved my life. It gave me purpose and understanding. There’s something about sinking into roles or a script that gives you a sense of distraction. During some of my […]
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African American History Museum expands outreach
Nalo Mitchell’s “aha moment,” after serving two months as the inaugural executive director of the Springfield and Central Illinois African American History Museum, is the willingness of individuals to share their personal and familial histories, even if they are difficult or emotional, and how it has shaped them as individuals. These stories continually improve and […]
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Juneteenth
This year’s Juneteenth celebrations in Springfield include six days of events that highlight African American cultural contributions with live music events, art exhibitions, presentations, kids’ activities and more. Our annual Juneteenth issue looks at the origins of the holiday and how area organizations are expanding their outreach to share Black culture and history. Related Related […]
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Ways to celebrate Juneteenth citywide
Illinois’ newest state holiday is a 158-year-old celebration of freedom. Although Juneteenth has been celebrated in Springfield for over 20 years, it did not become an official state holiday until 2021 when Gov. JB Pritzker signed a bill to commemorate June 19, 1865, the date when the last enslaved Black people in the U.S. learned […]
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Resurrecting Billy Sunday
Part commemoration, part reenactment and part revival, the Billy Sunday 1909 Celebration: “Six Weeks that Saved the Soul of Springfield” (A Trilogy, Part 1) blew through the capital city like a Pentecostal whirlwind May 28, inspiring and energizing a faithful crowd of about 300 at the Bank of Springfield (BOS) Center. Sponsored by the Ministerial […]
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Underground railroad conductor
This week the Illinois General Assembly approved legislation to create the Illinois Underground Railroad Task Force. This bill was sponsored by 24 legislators from all parts of Illinois and from both sides of the aisle in both the House and Senate. The task force will be charged with connecting existing local projects and new projects […]
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Remembering an early Springfield leader
A large, red brick, Italianate home stands at Eighth and Cook streets, just a block from the Elijah Iles House at Seventh and Cook. Built in 1865, it was the home of Dr. Henry Wohlgemuth, who influenced Springfield in his work as a physician, city alderman and longtime president of Oak Ridge Cemetery. Without him, […]
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Flower power
The Washington Park Botanical Garden is a tropical respite for skilled hobbyists and curious amateurs alike. What better way to kick off your spring season than by seeing some of the best flowers Springfield has to offer at the Washington Park Botanical Garden’s 49th annual Spring Floral Display? Alexa Bryan Potts, botanical general manager, says […]
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Practical ways to celebrate Earth Day
As the earth heats up and we continue to plunge further into the effects of climate change, grapple with limited natural resources and observe the tremendous loss of natural habitats, it has become more important than ever to raise awareness about environmental issues. Adena Rivas, program manager of Waste & Recycling for the City of […]
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On stage this spring
It’s not going to take long for the theater and music scene to warm up this spring, but in a bit of a twist, the first theater production of the season is on ice. The Springfield Figure Skating Club’s Spotlight on Ice Show takes place on March 18 and 19 at the Nelson Center Ice […]
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Be inspired by art
Art is one of the things that Springfield does, does well and does often. We are lucky to have some incredible talent amongst us and plenty of places to see their work, and spring is the time to get out and about and do just that. Home-grown art studios and galleries are some of the […]
