ILLINOIS HISTORY PROGRAM INVITES COMMUNITY TO SHARE STORIES

PITTSFIELD — A unique event focused on Illinois history and personal storytelling is coming to Pike County next month.

The Pike County Historical Society is hosting a special speaker event titled “Illinois History in 10 Objects” on May 7 at 6:00 p.m. at Orr Hall.

The program will be presented by Erika Holst, a curator with the Illinois State Museum. The presentation explores Illinois history through ten objects from the museum’s collection, highlighting key periods including Indigenous history, the Revolutionary War era, the Civil War, immigration, the Great Depression, and World War II.

Organizers say the event also encourages community participation. Attendees are invited to bring their own personal artifacts and share stories connected to their family history, making the experience interactive and locally meaningful.

The event is part of the broader America 250 initiative, which commemorates the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary by encouraging reflection on shared history and community identity.