Illinois State Museum (ISM) - Land, Life, People & Art.  
www.museum.state.il.us

J.B. Pritzker, Governor
ISM System
Visitor Information
Exhibitions
Programs & Events
Publications
Stores & Artisans Shops
Teachers & Students
Lesson Plans!
Online Exhibits
Research & Collections
Staff Directory
Job Opportunities
Members & Donors
Volunteers
Public Museum Grants
About ISM
News/Press Room
Search/Site Map




Join Our E-Mail List
For Email Marketing you can trust





Public Events

|Springfield| |Chicago| |Lewistown| |Lockport| |Whittington| |Chicago|

  Events on Wednesday, July 01, 2015, ISM Springfield   

Bob Steffan Summer Film Fest: Growing Up Wild: Puppy Dog Tales
Illinois State Museum, Springfield
Tuesday, June 30, 2015 - Wednesday, July 01, 2015, 10:00 AM - 10:30 AM

Learn how Saint Bernards, wolves, foxes, Australian dingoes, coyotes, jackals and more canine friends grow and play.

Find out more ...


Bob Steffan Summer Film Fest: Growing Up Wild: Puppy Dog Tales
Illinois State Museum, Springfield
Tuesday, June 30, 2015 - Wednesday, July 01, 2015, 2:00 PM - 2:30 PM

Learn how Saint Bernards, wolves, foxes, Australian dingoes, coyotes, jackals and more canine friends grow and play.

Find out more ...


Please note that event dates are subject to change.
To confirm dates, please call the appropriate site.

  Events, ISM Springfield   

Bob Steffan Summer Film Fest: Growing Up Wild: Puppy Dog Tales
Illinois State Museum, Springfield
Tuesday, June 30, 2015 - Wednesday, July 01, 2015, 10:00 AM - 10:30 AM

Learn how Saint Bernards, wolves, foxes, Australian dingoes, coyotes, jackals and more canine friends grow and play.

Find out more ...


Bob Steffan Summer Film Fest: Growing Up Wild: Puppy Dog Tales
Illinois State Museum, Springfield
Tuesday, June 30, 2015 - Wednesday, July 01, 2015, 2:00 PM - 2:30 PM

Learn how Saint Bernards, wolves, foxes, Australian dingoes, coyotes, jackals and more canine friends grow and play.

Find out more ...


Satur-Play! - Ice Cream Day
Illinois State Museum, Springfield
Saturday, July 04, 2015, 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Every Saturday is Super!
Experience Satur-Play! at the Illinois State Museum. Be drawn in by fun science experiments and art projects so entertaining and intriguing, you may forget you are learning! Find out more ...


Bob Steffan Summer Film Fest: The Magic School Bus In a Bee Hive
Illinois State Museum, Springfield
Tuesday, July 07, 2015 - Wednesday, July 08, 2015, 10:00 AM - 10:30 AM

The Magic School Bus kids are turned into bees. When their honey is stolen by a bear, they must find a way to let the other bees know where the last field of flowers is.

Find out more ...


Bob Steffan Summer Film Fest: The Magic School Bus In a Bee Hive
Illinois State Museum, Springfield
Tuesday, July 07, 2015 - Wednesday, July 08, 2015, 2:00 PM - 2:30 PM

The Magic School Bus kids are turned into bees. When their honey is stolen by a bear, they must find a way to let the other bees know where the last field of flowers is.

Find out more ...


Super Saturdays at the Museum: Spineless
Illinois State Museum, Springfield
Saturday, July 11, 2015, 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Did you know that over 1.3 million different species on the Earth are invertebrates? Come to the Illinois State Museum on July 11th from 11AM to 3PM to discover these spineless wonders. Find out more ...


Satur-Play! - Worm Races
Illinois State Museum, Springfield
Saturday, July 11, 2015, 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Every Saturday is Super!
Experience Satur-Play! at the Illinois State Museum. Be drawn in by fun science experiments and art projects so entertaining and intriguing, you may forget you are learning! Find out more ...


Story Time at the Museum: Lots of Legs
Illinois State Museum, Springfield
Monday, July 13, 2015, 10:00 AM - 10:30 AM

Lady bugs, centipedes, spiders, and butterflies all have at least six legs or more. Find out more ...


Bob Steffan Summer Film Fest: Back Yard Safari: Butterflies
Illinois State Museum, Springfield
Tuesday, July 14, 2015 - Wednesday, July 15, 2015, 10:00 AM - 10:30 AM

Learn about the butterfly life cycle, how a caterpillar uses its antennae and feet, how to tag a monarch, and more!

Find out more ...


Bob Steffan Summer Film Fest: Back Yard Safari: Butterflies
Illinois State Museum, Springfield
Tuesday, July 14, 2015 - Wednesday, July 15, 2015, 2:00 PM - 2:30 PM

Learn about the butterfly life cycle, how a caterpillar uses its antennae and feet, how to tag a monarch, and more!

Find out more ...


Satur-Play! - Bugs!
Illinois State Museum, Springfield
Saturday, July 18, 2015, 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Every Saturday is Super!
Experience Satur-Play! at the Illinois State Museum. Be drawn in by fun science experiments and art projects so entertaining and intriguing, you may forget you are learning! Find out more ...


Bugs! Family Event
Illinois State Museum, Springfield
Saturday, July 18, 2015, 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Creepy, crawly, prickly, and gooey… Discover a world unseen at “Bugs!”— an Illinois State Museum Free Family Event. Visitors can engage their senses (not taste!) while experiencing live insects up close, as well as explore and learn about the Museum’s extensive entomology collection. Find out more ...


Summer Passport Series
Illinois State Museum, Springfield
Saturday, August 01, 2015 - Sunday, August 16, 2015, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Free, recommended for elementary school-aged children

The Museum Passport Series continues with a "Museum Safari" theme! Find out more ...


Super Saturdays at the Museum: Down on the Farm
Illinois State Museum, Springfield
Saturday, August 08, 2015, 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM

In Illinois, farmland is all around us. Come learn about agriculture as we discover where food comes from, how food travels to our grocery stores, and different ways to enjoy food. Find out more ...


Community Program Spotlight: Springfield Community MakerSpace
Illinois State Museum, Springfield
Sunday, August 09, 2015, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM

A group of "makers," people who enjoy making things, has begun to meet at the Illinois State Museum on Sunday afternoons. Find out more ...


Story Time at the Museum: Barnyard Fun
Illinois State Museum, Springfield
Monday, August 10, 2015, 10:00 AM - 10:30 AM

Join us for stories and songs all about life on the farm.

Join us the second Monday of each month at 10:00 a.m. Find out more ...


Community Program Spotlight: Springfield Community MakerSpace
Illinois State Museum, Springfield
Sunday, August 16, 2015, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM

A group of "makers," people who enjoy making things, has begun to meet at the Illinois State Museum on Sunday afternoons. Find out more ...


Community Program Spotlight: Springfield Community MakerSpace
Illinois State Museum, Springfield
Sunday, August 23, 2015, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM

A group of "makers," people who enjoy making things, has begun to meet at the Illinois State Museum on Sunday afternoons. Find out more ...


Community Program Spotlight: Springfield Community MakerSpace
Illinois State Museum, Springfield
Sunday, August 30, 2015, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM

A group of "makers," people who enjoy making things, has begun to meet at the Illinois State Museum on Sunday afternoons. Find out more ...


Brownbag Lectures: China: Perceptions and Misperceptions
ISM Research & Collections Center
Wednesday, September 02, 2015, 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Travelogue by Tracy Evans

Find out more ...


Spectrum Exhibition Opening Night (Open to the Public)
Illinois State Museum, Springfield
Thursday, September 03, 2015, 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM

New Exhibition Open at the Illinois State Museum Springfield Gallery (Aug. 14 - Sept. 25, 2015). Find out more ...


Brownbag Lectures: Civil War Chaplains
ISM Research & Collections Center
Wednesday, September 09, 2015, 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Presented by Jonathan E. Reyman, Ph.D., Chaplain, 114th Illinois Volunteer Infantry Regiment (Reactivated) and the Soldiers' Aid Society.

Find out more ...


Super Saturdays at the Museum: We ❤ Super Saturday
Illinois State Museum, Springfield
Saturday, September 12, 2015, 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Psst... Find out more ...


Story Time at the Museum: The Best of Story Time
Illinois State Museum, Springfield
Monday, September 14, 2015, 10:00 AM - 10:30 AM

You get to decide which stories we will read for this special Story Time. Find out more ...


Brownbag Lectures: Repatriation Under the North Star: Returning Human Remains to the Uñupiat Eskimo of Barrow, Alaska
ISM Research & Collections Center
Wednesday, September 16, 2015, 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Presented by Robert Warren, Curator of Anthropology, Illinois State Museum

Find out more ...


Brownbag Lectures: Photography in the Wild
ISM Research & Collections Center
Wednesday, September 23, 2015, 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Presented by Meredith Mahoney, Assistant Curator of Zoology, Illinois State Museum

Dr. Mahoney will talk about nature and macro photography. Find out more ...


Brownbag Lectures: The Falkland Islands - A Photographer's Paradise
ISM Research & Collections Center
Wednesday, September 30, 2015, 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

The Falkland Islands are one of the last places on earth to experience Antarctic and Subantarctic wildlife up close and personal. Find out more ...


Welcome Back! Celebration
Illinois State Museum, Springfield
Saturday, July 02, 2016, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Event free with Museum admission: $5 for adults. Children 0-18, Seniors 65+, and military & veterans free.

Join us at the Illinois State Museum in Springfield as we welcome the visitors back. Find out more ...


Research & Collections Center Behind-the-Scenes Tour
ISM Research & Collections Center
Saturday, July 30, 2016, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

The Illinois State Museum Research & Collections Center is home to the Museum's collection of about 14 million objects. Find out more ...

Fee: Free with advanced registration.

Brown Bag Lecture: The Terracotta Army of Qin Shihuang
ISM Research & Collections Center
Wednesday, September 21, 2016, 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

The ISM Brown Bag Lecture series is returning once a month on the third Wednesday.

The Terracotta Army of Qin Shihuang
Presented by Dr. Find out more ...


Celebration of Play Family Event
Illinois State Museum, Springfield
Saturday, September 24, 2016, 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Free with Museum admission

Play is a wonderful way to learn. Find out more ...


Smithsonian Magazine Museum Day Live!
Illinois State Museum, Springfield
Saturday, September 24, 2016, 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM

On September 24, the Museum is participating in Smithsonian Magazine's Museum Day Live event. Visitors can print or download two free adult admission tickets by visiting https://www.smithsonianmag.com/museumday/museum-day-live-2016/tickets/​. Find out more ...


Brown Bag Lecture: A Program of 19th-Century Parlor Music
ISM Research & Collections Center
Wednesday, October 19, 2016, 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

The Springfield music ensemble Wild Columbine will be presenting a program of 19th-Century parlor music.

Wild Columbine consists of Megan Turner, Sally McDaniel-Smith, and William Furry, performing 19th-century parlor music, Civil War-era songs, and art songs on violin, flute, guitar, and concertina. Find out more ...


Brown Bag Lecture Series
ISM Research & Collections Center
Wednesday, November 16, 2016, 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Tracy Evans, Illinois State Museum Research Associate, will present "Impact of Land Management Techniques on Invertebrates: Summary of PhD Research."

This program is part of the ISM Brown Bag Lecture Series. Find out more ...


Remarkable Raptors Family Event
Illinois State Museum, Springfield
Saturday, November 19, 2016, 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Free with admission 

Celebrate birds of prey—owls, eagles, falcons, and more! Children will enjoy educational games, activities, and crafts. Find out more ...


Winter Field Trip to The Field Museum
Illinois State Museum, Springfield
Friday, December 02, 2016, 6:30 AM - 10:30 PM

Cost: $130 ISM Society Members, $150 Non-members

Itinerary: Meet at the ISM Research and Collections Center (RCC) at 6:30 a.m. Find out more ...


Winter Craft Day
Illinois State Museum, Springfield
Saturday, December 10, 2016, 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Indulge your creative side at this fun event. Children will make an ornament and experiment with watercolor to make a winter-inspired work of art. Find out more ...


Super Saturday: Winter Animals
Illinois State Museum, Springfield
Saturday, January 07, 2017, 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Free with Museum admission

Learn how animals adapt and change to survive the long, cold winter through games, activities, and crafts. Find out more ...


Paul Mickey Science Series: The Story of Illinois as Told by Native American Artifacts
Illinois State Museum, Springfield
Wednesday, January 11, 2017, 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

Illinois State Museum Auditorium 

On December 3, 2018, Illinois will celebrate the bicentennial of statehood. The Illinois State Museum is beginning a two-year initiative to recount the story of Illinois, not simply the past two centuries, but the vast expanse of the history of this place on the globe through the Museum’s extensive anthropology, art, botany, geology, and zoology collections. Find out more ...


Brown Bag Lecture: A Quick Look at 3000 Years of Maker Spaces
ISM Research & Collections Center
Wednesday, January 18, 2017, 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Maker spaces have increased in popularity in recent years as well-equipped, safe environments for community creativity. Find out more ...


Please note that event dates are subject to change.
To confirm dates, please call the appropriate site.

  Events, ISM Chicago Gallery & Illinois Artisans   

July Feature
Illinois Artisans, Chicago
Wednesday, July 01, 2015 - Friday, July 31, 2015, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Beth Shadur Find out more ...


July Art Spree
Illinois Artisans, Chicago
Thursday, July 16, 2015 - Friday, July 17, 2015, 10:00 AM - 3:30 PM

Browse one-of-a-kind artwork by 15 Juried Illinois Artisans and find that special gift. Presented by the Illinois Artisans Program, the Art Sprees are a monthly chance to shop local and meet the artisans. Find out more ...


Panel/Discussion: "Shared Culture and Personal Histories"
ISM Chicago Gallery
Wednesday, July 29, 2015, 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Special Event and Time, Free and open to the public

Illinois State Museum
Chicago Gallery

Panel/Discussion "Shared Culture and Personal Histories"

Wednesday, July 29, 2015 at noon

Rene Arceo, artist and educator,Chicago Public Schools, looks at his
bicultural experience integrating Mexican folklore with Chicago culture.

Footprints Through Time: Artists Inspired by History
Artists include: Rene Arceo, (art)n, David Bower, Catherine
Cajandig, Sharon Hoogstraten, Nora Lloyd, Joyce Owens, Chris Pappan,
Debra Yepa-Pappan, Christine Redcloud, Norma Robertson, Robert Wapahi,
Ian Weaver, Marjorie Woodruff and Joe Yazzie. Find out more ...


Dancing for My Tribe: Photographs by Sharon Hoogstraten
ISM Chicago Gallery
Monday, August 17, 2015 - Friday, August 21, 2015, 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM

ISM Chicago Gallery
Special Exhibition in Atrium by popular demand

August 17 - 21, 2015, 7:00 am to 6:00 pm

Dancing for My Tribe: Photographs by Sharon Hoogstraten

As a member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation, Sharon is creating a permanent record of Potawatomi Indians wearing their regalia, and how these modern-day people are preserving the traditional dress of their ancestors. Find out more ...


Gallery Talk with Sharon Hoogstraten
ISM Chicago Gallery
Wednesday, August 19, 2015, 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Wednesday, August 19th at NOON in the Atrium
Dancing for My Tribe exhibition

Join us for a gallery talk with photographer, Sharon Hoogstraten.
First Floor Atrium in the James R. Find out more ...


Please note that event dates are subject to change.
To confirm dates, please call the appropriate site.

  Events, Dickson Mounds   

Tot Time: Fun for Tots & their Big People
ISM Dickson Mounds Museum
Thursday, July 02, 2015, 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM

At Dickson Mounds on Thursday, July 2, 2015, at 9:30 a.m., the Tot Time topic will be “Fun Fish”. Find out more ...


Nature Trek: Experience a Voyageur Canoe
ISM Dickson Mounds Museum
Saturday, July 11, 2015, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Dickson Mounds Museum is hosting a Voyageur Canoe Experience as part of the Nature Trek series on Saturday, July 11, 2015 at 9:00 am. Find out more ...


Edgar Lee Masters Program Series: Love, Itself
ISM Dickson Mounds Museum
Friday, July 17, 2015, 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM

In celebration of the 100th Anniversary of Spoon River Anthology, the Fulton County Playhouse will be performing the play “Love, Itself.” written and directed by Larry Eskridge. Find out more ...


Edgar Lee Masters Program Series: Love, Itself
ISM Dickson Mounds Museum
Saturday, July 18, 2015 - Sunday, July 19, 2015, 3:00 PM - 5:30 PM

In celebration of the 100th Anniversary of Spoon River Anthology, the Fulton County Playhouse will be performing the play “Love, Itself.” written and directed by Larry Eskridge. Find out more ...


Hickory Ridge Concert Series: The Sweet Potatoes
ISM Dickson Mounds Museum
Saturday, July 18, 2015, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

The Hickory Ridge Concert Series welcomes The Sweet Potatoes to our stage on Saturday, July 18, 2015 at 7:00 pm. The group includes Kelly Macleod – songwriter/vocals/guitar; Laura Hall – songwriter/guitar/vocals/ukulele/accordion; Rick Hall – bass/harmonica/vocals.

The Sweet Potatoes come out of Southern California to dish up their own unique blend of country, folk and homespun Americana. Find out more ...


IVAS Lecture: The Collins Site: A Late Woodland Village and Mound Site in Vermilion County, Illinois
ISM Dickson Mounds Museum
Wednesday, August 05, 2015, 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

Douglas K Jackson, Special Projects Assistant Coordinator, Illinois Transportation Archaeological Research Program, at the University of Illinois, will present a talk titled “The Collins Site: A Late Woodland Village and Mound Site in Vermilion County, Illinois” at the Wednesday, August 5, 2015, meeting of the Illinois Valley Archaeological Society. Find out more ...


Tot Time: Fun for Tots & their Big People
ISM Dickson Mounds Museum
Thursday, August 06, 2015, 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM

At Dickson Mounds on Thursday, August 6, 2015, at 9:30 a.m., the Tot Time program will be “Animal Friends”. Members of the Fulton County 4-H Club will show a variety of animals. Find out more ...


Bugs at Night
ISM Dickson Mounds Museum
Saturday, August 08, 2015, 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Dickson Mounds Museum is hosting a Bugs Night on Saturday, August 8, 2015 at 8:00 pm. Find out more ...


Viewing the Night Sky
ISM Dickson Mounds Museum
Tuesday, August 11, 2015, 6:00 AM - 6:30 AM

Viewing begins at 4:00 a.m.

Dickson Mounds Museum’s next Nature Trek program is “Viewing the Night Sky” on Tuesday morning, August 11, 2015. Find out more ...


Illinois Valley Archaeological Society Lecture: The Archaeological and Anthropological Legacy of Dickson Mounds Museum
ISM Dickson Mounds Museum
Wednesday, September 02, 2015, 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

Michael D. Wiant, Director, Illinois State Museum – Dickson Mounds, will present a talk titled “The Archaeological and Anthropological Legacy of Dickson Mounds Museum: a review of our contributions to an understanding of the past” at the Wednesday, September 2, 2015, meeting of the Illinois Valley Archaeological Society. Find out more ...


Tot Time: Fun for Tots & their Big People
ISM Dickson Mounds Museum
Thursday, September 03, 2015, 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM

At Dickson Mounds’ Tot Time on Thursday, September 3, 2015, at 9:30 a.m., the Peoria Park District Zoo will present “Dinner or Diner”, featuring live animals. Find out more ...


ENTICE Workshop: Introducing Early Childhood Students to Nature
ISM Dickson Mounds Museum
Saturday, September 12, 2015, 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Saturday, September 12 · 9 am-3 pm
Fee: $10, Educators of grades Pre-K through 3
Register by 8 am on September 3

We'll show you how to use the Field Trip Pack from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) and its many resources to encourage nature exploration by young children. Find out more ...


Paddy & Jon Lynn, Selections from Edgar Lee Masters' Spoon River Anthology
ISM Dickson Mounds Museum
Saturday, September 19, 2015, 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Saturday, September 19 · 2 pm
Free, Donations appreciated, All ages

No other literary work from Illinois has ever had the radical impact of Edgar Lee Masters' Spoon River Anthology, published in 1915. Find out more ...


Hickory Ridge Concert Series: Lil Rev Returns to the Hickory Ridge
ISM Dickson Mounds Museum
Saturday, September 19, 2015, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Ukulele Master Lil Rev will take the stage at the Hickory Ridge Concert Series on Saturday, September 19, 2015 at 7:00 pm in the auditorium of the Dickson Mounds Museum. Find out more ...


Autumn Weekend Knap-In
ISM Dickson Mounds Museum
Saturday, September 26, 2015 - Sunday, September 27, 2015, 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Saturday, September 26 & Sunday, September 27 · 10 am-4 pm
Free, Donations appreciated, All ages

The public is welcome to view flint knapping demonstrations during the Museum's Autumn Weekend Knap-In. Find out more ...


Tot Time: Fun for Tots & their Big People
ISM Dickson Mounds Museum
Thursday, October 08, 2015, 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM

Tot Time will be held on Thursday, October 8, 2015, at 9:30 a.m., at the Lakeside Observatory at The Nature Conservancy’s Emiquon Preserve. Illinois Natural History Survey, Forbes Biological Station’s Heath Hagy will have live ducks for tots and their caretakers to see and learn about. Find out more ...


Illinois Valley Archaeological Society Lecture: A Travelers View of the Important Archaeological Site Angkor Wat
ISM Dickson Mounds Museum
Wednesday, November 04, 2015, 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

Please Note: Lecture will be held at the Lewistown Visitor Center

Illinois Valley Archaeological Society chapter member, local resident, and world traveler Mike Turk will present a talk on “Angkor Wat” at the chapter’s monthly meeting, Wednesday, November 4, 2015 beginning at 7:00 pm. Find out more ...


Tot Time: Fun for Tots & their Big People
ISM Dickson Mounds Museum
Thursday, November 05, 2015, 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM

Dickson Mounds’ Tot Time will be held on Thursday, November 5, 2015, at 9:30 a.m., at the Lewistown Visitor Center. This month’s topic will be Native American Body Art. Find out more ...


Tot Time: Fun for Tots & their Big People
ISM Dickson Mounds Museum
Thursday, December 03, 2015, 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM

Dickson Mounds’ Tot Time will be held on Thursday, December 3, 2015, at 9:30 a.m., at the Lewistown Visitor Center. The last Tot Time for 2015 will be “Fun Crafts”. Find out more ...


Hickory Ridge Concert Series: NASHVILLE SONGWRITER AT HICKORY RIDGE
ISM Dickson Mounds Museum
Saturday, June 18, 2016, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Until further notice this program series will be held at the Lewistown Visitors Center.

Nashville Singer-songwriter Dana Cooper will take the stage this Saturday, June the 18th at the Hickory Ridge Concert Series at the Lewistown Visitor’s Center in Lewiston at 7:00 PM. Find out more ...


Hickory Ridge Concert Series: Alaskan Fiddler - Ken Waldman
ISM Dickson Mounds Museum
Saturday, September 17, 2016, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

The Hickory Ridge Concert Series welcomes Alaska's Fiddling Poet Ken Waldman to the Dickson Mounds Museum this Saturday, September the 17th at 7:00 pm.  Waldman is an accomplished fiddle player and imaginative composer of new tunes. Find out more ...


Rendezvous at Spoon River
ISM Dickson Mounds Museum
Saturday, October 08, 2016 - Sunday, October 09, 2016, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Dickson Mounds Museum will host the annual “Rendezvous at Spoon River” – a living history re-enactment, during  the Spoon River Scenic Drive weekends. Members of the Mackinaw Valley Longrifles Association will be on hand to teach the public about the lifestyles, survival skills, and rich cultural history of Illinois 18th and 19th century inhabitants.

 
The public is invited to visit their primitive encampment on the museum grounds and engage in blanket trading and knife-hawk throwing; view demonstrations of wooden spoon carving, fiber arts, and much more. The event is open to the public from 8:30 am - 5:00 p.m. Find out more ...


Movie Premier: Return to Spoon River
ISM Dickson Mounds Museum
Sunday, October 09, 2016, 1:00 PM - 4:30 PM

                                

Showings of the film will begin at 1pm and 3pm.

Event Audience: Adult

In April 1915, the American poet Edgar Lee Masters published Spoon River Anthology, the famous collection of poems that collectively narrates the epitaphs of people who lived in the fictional town of Spoon River, close to the real Spoon River that ran near Masters’ home. Find out more ...


Hickory Ridge Concert Series: New York Duo Returns to Dickson Mounds
ISM Dickson Mounds Museum
Saturday, October 15, 2016, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

 
 
The Hickory Ridge Concert Series welcomes back Don Haynie & Sheryl Samuel on Saturday, October the 15th, at 7:00 pm at the Dickson Mounds Museum Auditorium.  Over the years, Hayne and Samuelson have been taking their music far & wide across America, playing concerts in an amazing range of venues:  From auditoriums and theaters to sidewalks, college campuses, and coffeehouses; from legendary “listening rooms” including Passim in Cambridge, the Fast Folk Cafe in New York, and The Freight & Salvage Company in Berkeley, to honky-tonk roadhouses like The Silver Dollar Saloon in Butte, Montana. 
 
Their instrumentation-- Sheryl’s use of percussion interwoven with Don’s six- and twelve-string guitars-- gives their music a rhythmic drive rarely found in contemporary acoustic music: sometimes working as a compelling “rhythm section” supporting the vocal melodies and harmonies, sometimes lending a delicate accent, and often touching their music with a “world beat” flavor.  Don and Sheryl combine upbeat, sometimes drivingly energetic songs with wistful, thoughtful ballads.  Haynie’s songwriting is often compared favorably with the greatest, like Bob Dylan and Randy Newman.  His songs can make you laugh, cry, or dance as he ranges in topic from the absurdities of modern life (“Chaplain of the Mall”) to the poignance of family (“My Grandmother’s Piano”) to the mysteries of mortality (“When I Cross the Great Divide”).   
 
The Hickory Ridge Concert Series is hosted by singer-songwriter Chris Vallillo.  Concerts are held the 3rd Saturday of every month and begin at 7:00 p.m. Find out more ...


Kid's Day - Drum Circle
ISM Dickson Mounds Museum
Saturday, October 22, 2016, 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Have fun drumming and dancing while learning about percussion based music. Recommended for kids 5 years old and up with adult. Find out more ...


IVAS Lecture: The Archaeology of Dickson Mounds
ISM Dickson Mounds Museum
Tuesday, November 01, 2016, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Dr. Alan Harn, Curator Emeritus, Dickson Mounds Museum, will present the talk “The Archaeology of Dickson Mounds” at the Tuesday, November 1, 2016, meeting of the Illinois Valley Archaeological Society. Find out more ...


Kid's Day - Native American Games
ISM Dickson Mounds Museum
Saturday, November 05, 2016, 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Spend an afternoon enjoying a variety of intellectually stimulating and physically challenging Native American games.  The event will be held outdoors.  In the case of inclement weather, activities will be moved inside the Museum. Recommended for kids 5 years old and up with adult. Find out more ...


Hickory Ridge Concert Series: Lee Murdock Returns to Dickson Mounds
ISM Dickson Mounds Museum
Saturday, November 19, 2016, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

 
 

Folksinger Lee Murdock brings back his vivid musical portraits of life on the Great Lakes and inland waterways to the Hickory Ridge Concert Series at Dickson Mounds Museum.  Lee’s repertoire combines historical research and contemporary insights to create an anthem to the people who work, live and play along the freshwater highway.

A highly acclaimed fingerstyle guitarist, Lee has a dozen recordings to his name.  He has uncovered a boundless body of music and stories in the Great Lakes. Find out more ...


Kid's Day - Ancient Art in Illinois
ISM Dickson Mounds Museum
Saturday, December 03, 2016, 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Discover the variety of art people created long ago.  Enjoy hands-on activities and crafts to take home. Recommended for kids 5 years old and up with adult. Find out more ...


Hickory Ridge Concert Series: Bluegrass at Hickory Ridge
ISM Dickson Mounds Museum
Saturday, December 17, 2016, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

 
 

The Hickory Ridge Concert Series welcomes the Burr Oak String Band to their stage this Saturday, December 17th at 7:00 pm at the Dickson Mounds Museum outside of Lewistown, IL. Find out more ...


Hickory Ridge Concert Series: Autoharp Master at Hickory Ridge
ISM Dickson Mounds Museum
Saturday, January 21, 2017, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

 
On Saturday, January the 21st, the undisputed master of the autoharp, Bryan Bowers, will perform at the Hickory Ridge Concert Series in the auditorium of the Dickson Mounds Museum at 7:00 PM.  Bryan has a dynamic outgoing personality and an uncanny ability to enchant a crowd in practically any situation.  His towering six foot four inch frame can be wild and zany on stage while playing a song like `Dixie’ and five minutes later he can have the same audience singing `Will The Circle Be Unbroken’ in quite reverence and delight.
 
People Magazine called Bowers “the leading virtuoso on the autoharp” and said “Bowers also has distinct gifts as a singer and  songwriter.” Born in Yorktown, Virginia, Bryan Bowers was raised in New Bohemia near Petersburg of the Civil War’s Battle Of The Crater fame. Find out more ...


Tot Time: Ancient Elephants
ISM Dickson Mounds Museum
Thursday, February 02, 2017, 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM

Discover the differences between the Ice Age creatures, mammoths and mastadons, that once roamed Illinois. Find out more ...


Eagle Day Festival
ISM Dickson Mounds Museum
Saturday, February 04, 2017, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

The Emiquon Partners and local agencies are pleased to host this popular event.

Eagle Day Gives Bird’s Eye View of American Icon with Live Birds of Prey

Communities, conservation, research and animal groups plan day-long festivities 

*LEWISTOWN, IL --* Family-friendly Eagle Day events are planned at various locations throughout the day in Fulton and Mason County on, Saturday February 4, 2017.  Admission is free at all of the events.

*Havana, IL:*  World Bird Sanctuary presents “Raptor Awareness,” at the Havana Park District Gym, 127 E. Find out more ...


Illinois Valley Archaeological Society Lecture
ISM Dickson Mounds Museum
Tuesday, February 07, 2017, 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

"From Mammoths to Maize: Plants and Native American Cultural Evolution in the Midwest"

The Illinois Valley Archaeological Society (IVAS) will meet Tuesday, February 7, 2017 at the Dickson Mounds Museum beginning at 7:00 p.m.  Featured speaker will be Dr. Find out more ...


ENTICE Workshop: Introducing Early Childhood Students to Nature
ISM Dickson Mounds Museum
Saturday, September 09, 2017, 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

You can make a lifelong difference with your early childhood students by introducing them to the wonders of the natural world! Find out more ...


Please note that event dates are subject to change.
To confirm dates, please call the appropriate site.

  Events, ISM Lockport   

Aaron Miller Drawing from Life
ISM Lockport Gallery
Saturday, July 25, 2015, 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Gaylord Building—2nd floor
200 West 8th Street, Lockport

Beginning at 2pm, artist Aaron Miller will be painting from life inside the space of his exhibition Aaron Miller—Paintings and Drawings, part of the City of Lockport’s Summer Art Series 2015. Find out more ...


Reception for Aaron Miller Drawing from Life Exhibition
ISM Lockport Gallery
Saturday, July 25, 2015, 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Gaylord Building—2nd Floor
200 West 8th Street, Lockport

Reception for exhibition: Aaron Miller Drawing from Life. Find out more ...


Dick Blick Sunday: New Products and Demonstrations
ISM Lockport Gallery
Sunday, July 26, 2015, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Come learn about the latest products being offered by Dick Blick Art Supplies on Sunday, July 26, 2015, at the ISM Lockport Gallery. Find out more ...


Ron Bell "Osteomechanics" Exhibition / "Superheroes of Innovation" Gala
ISM Lockport Gallery
Saturday, August 01, 2015, 6:00 PM - 11:00 PM

Gaylord Building—2nd Floor
200 West 8th Street, Lockport

Ron Bell “Osteomechanics” exhibition
“Superheroes of Innovation” Gala

The gala is a ticketed event. Find out more ...


OPEN Artist's Reception
ISM Lockport Gallery
Sunday, October 23, 2016, 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

We cordially invite you to meet the participating artists in OPEN. Scheduled to appear as of this announcement include.

Leslie Colonna, Joe Milosovich,
Mary Bookwalter, Jennifer Moore,
Mary Kay Peter-Witlock,
Janice Meister, John Siblik,
Jeff Stevenson, Joe Hadimik,
Tom Skomski

Their work demonstrates commitment to process and conveys the sentiment of openness that the exhibition instills. Find out more ...


Sketchbook Sunday
ISM Lockport Gallery
Sunday, October 30, 2016, 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Work on your drawings and scientific illustrations with specimens from the ISM Zoology Collections currently on exhibition. Find out more ...


Patrick Bredlau - Book Signing and Talk
ISM Lockport Gallery
Sunday, November 06, 2016, 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

ISM MEMBER & VOLUNTEER Conquers The Appalachian Trail
Book signing and Talk
Sunday November 6, 2016
2:00pm
Join the conversation as Patrick Bredlau recounts his odyssey of hiking the Appalachian Trail. Find out more ...


Sketchbook Sunday
ISM Lockport Gallery
Sunday, November 20, 2016, 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Work on your drawings and scientific illustrations with specimens from the ISM Zoology Collections currently on exhibition. Find out more ...


Sketchbook Sunday
ISM Lockport Gallery
Sunday, November 27, 2016, 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Work on your drawings and scientific illustrations with specimens from the ISM Zoology Collections currently on exhibition. Find out more ...


HAND THROWING & WHEEL TECHNIQUE - LIVE!
ISM Lockport Gallery
Sunday, December 04, 2016, 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM

1:00pm and 3:00pm

Join us as ceramic Artist, Joseph P. Hadamik will be demonstrating various hand building techniques including wedging and wheel throwing as clay evolves into form. His glazing, firing and finishing processes will be discussed as well in what promises to be a magical afternoon. Find out more ...


Sketchbook Sunday
ISM Lockport Gallery
Sunday, December 11, 2016, 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Work on your drawings and scientific illustrations with specimens from the ISM Zoology Collections currently on exhibition. Find out more ...


Sketchbook Sunday
ISM Lockport Gallery
Sunday, January 22, 2017, 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Work on your drawings and scientific illustrations with specimens from the ISM Zoology Collections currently on exhibition. Find out more ...


Sketchbook Sunday
ISM Lockport Gallery
Sunday, February 05, 2017, 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Work on your drawings and scientific illustrations with specimens from the ISM Zoology Collections currently on exhibition. Find out more ...


Please note that event dates are subject to change.
To confirm dates, please call the appropriate site.