As Illinois prepares to say goodbye to 2025, preparations are ongoing to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in the Land of Lincoln.
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker joined leaders of the Illinois America 250 Commission at Navy Pier in Chicago earlier this week to announce that plans are taking shape in more than half of Illinois’ 102 counties to mark a quarter-millennial of American independence and Illinois’ role in that long history.
The leaders of the state’s organized celebrations also are urging all Illinoisans and Illinois communities and organizations to join in celebrating the anniversary of the world’s oldest modern constitutional democracy.
Illinois America 250 Commission members who have been charged by the governor to lead the celebration include volunteers from civic, nonprofit, educational, arts and business as well as Native and tribal leaders. Some of them attended the Wednesday, Dec. 3 announcement, according to a news release from the governor’s office.
“We’re showcasing the way Illinoisans have – even before we became a state and right up until now – made good on the ideals of the Declaration of Independence,” Gabrielle Lyon, the commission’s chair and executive director of the Illinois Humanities nonprofit, said then while pulling out a copy of that foundational document.
“Our country, we’ve come a long way, and we have a long way to go to make good on the promises in this little book. 1776, 1976 left out a lot of voices. In 2026, Illinois America 250 is really working to invite everyone in,” she added.
“The story of Illinois has always been the story of America, and our America 250 celebration will tell that story through programming, events, and education in every corner of the state,” Mr. Pritzker added.
Why get involved?
“I want to invite all Illinoisans to take part in this celebration with your family, friends, and neighbors – to educate one another and tell the stories of people who make Illinois the best state in the country, and America the greatest country in the world,” the governor said.
The Illinois 250 Commission said state programming should focus on uplifting local stories across the state. Plans already include a youth art contest, an archival project to record residents’ reflections on the 250th anniversary in the Library of Congress, and a statewide engagement effort around volunteering. It will begin on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Monday, Jan. 19, 2026.
Ms. Lyon also reported that 200 organizations and 68 counties have signed up as partners. Hundreds of museums, cultural institutions and historic sites also are hosting events.
To join the planning, communities and organizations are invited to become Illinois America 250 partners. In doing so they will gain access to planning tools and promotional support. They include resources the commission released to support commemorations. For example, educational materials for families, teachers and librarians and program guides for communities and civic organizations.
Illinoisans who want to get involved in events near them can visit the Illinois America 250 Commission’s community calendar at www.il250.org/events.
“As we mark the 250th anniversary, we honor not only our history but the people across this state who strive every day to ensure the pursuit of happiness is a reality for all,” Ms. Lyon said.
What’s in the works
Here are some details of what’s already planned:
- Public Art Grants: In partnership with the Governor’s Office and Illinois Humanities, the Illinois Arts Council will provide $15,000 each for public art installations to 20 organizations.
- 250th Commemorative Passport: The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunities, Office of Tourism, Enjoy Illinois, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and the Illinois Museum Association are creating a limited-edition keepsake passport. It will be available at select locations, visitor bureaus, and other sites.
- Illinois United in Service: A statewide call to action sponsored by Serve Illinois invites Illinoisans to strengthen communities through meaningful volunteer work beginning on Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
- Illinois Voices 250: Illinois Humanities and Story Corps Studios are recording Illinoisans’ reflections on the 250th for the Library of Congress. Starting in March, anyone can record a conversation online. There also will be five pop-up story studio locations from Juneteenth to July 4th.
- Pocket Declarations: Illinois America 250 Commission and the state have printed pocket-size copies of the Declaration of Independence. They will be made available to classrooms and libraries upon request while supplies last.
- Youth Art Contest: Sponsored by the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum and the Illinois State Board of Education, young artists are invited to reflect on what America 250 means to them. Winning artwork will be displayed in Springfield. The submission deadline is Friday, Dec. 19.
- Visit the 250th in Illinois: The Enjoy Illinois website has developed special Illinois America 250 content, highlighting the state’s place at the center of this national story.
- New 250th Logo: Designers at the Illinois Department of Central Management Services created the new Illinois America 250 logo that invokes the Illinois-invented Ferris Wheel, symbolizing innovation, excitement, and the wheel of time.
