12  ILLINOIS BUSINESS LEADER
CONNECTING
America’s 250th birthday is drawing 
national and international atten-
tion. In the midst of it all, Illinois 
has a powerful story to tell about 
our agriculture that feeds the world, 
our craftsmanship, manufacturing, 
and logistics networks, our creative 
entrepreneurs, and the generations 
of Illinoisians who have struggled 
to make good on the ideals of the 
Declaration of Independence for 
everyone in our country: equal 
rights, freedom, and the pursuit of 
happiness.
	
The Illinois America 250 Com-
mission is looking beyond parades 
and  fireworks to make the most of 
this anniversary. We, and hundreds 
of our nonprofit, tourism, and mu-
nicipal partners throughout the state, 
are using this once-in-a-lifetime 
anniversary to organize an inclusive, 
hyper-local statewide effort that up-
lifts under-told stories, builds pride 
of place, and spotlights for the nation 
how Illinoisians bring the ideals of 
Declaration of Independence to life. 
	
Across Illinois, many municipal-
ities are already thinking strategically 
to ensure America’s 250th becomes a 
catalyst for connection, growth, and 
civic pride.
	
Rockford and Winnebago Coun-
ty are aligning riverfront develop-
ment, arts festivals, and advanced 
manufacturing storytelling under a 
unified America 250 banner. They are 
bringing attention to their current 
story about innovation, not just their 
history
	
Quincy leaders are linking their 
region’s multi-generational heritage 
as a “helping community,” with 
walking tours, port history exhibits, 
and partnerships with local manufac-
turers whose businesses are modern 
extensions of that legacy.
	
Murphysboro is aligning forces 
with the John A. Logan Museum to 
provide multi-month series of expe-
riences: a Daughters of the American 
Revolution exhibit, a ribbon cutting 
on a major new addition to the mu-
seum, a John A. Logan reenactment 
(complete with an ice cream social), 
and performances by the Murphys-
boro High School Band.
	
These communities are not 
simply hosting a celebratory event, 
they are scaffolding cultural devel-
opment and business strategies onto 
the national anniversary. Of equal 
importance, they are fostering civic 
pride by centering local history and 
residents’ own stories.
	
Chambers play a key role in 
making Illinois’ America 250 celebra-
tion a success.
	
They can help bring sponsors to 
the table at community events, orga-
nize “shop local” campaigns, create 
America 250 | Illinois-Style
Gabrielle H. Lyon, PhD
Chair, Illinois America 250
Executive Director, Illinois Humanities
ABOUT ILLINOIS AMERICA 250 COMMISSION
The official hub for Illinois America 250 can be found online at il250.org. There, 
Illinoisans can sign up to be a 250th partner; browse or submit events; access 
free educational and planning resources for schools, libraries, families and or-
ganizations; learn about or join local 250th communities and partners; and get 
updates on news and volunteer opportunities connected to Illinois America 250.
AMERICA 250 INFO & 
COMMUNITY CALENDAR

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