History Exhibits and Events

ISM System Exhibits: History

Anthropology Exhibit

These case exhibits focus on archaeological and ethnographic topics and artifacts such as Native American pottery, basketry, weavings, weapons, and tools. Find out more ...

At Home in the Heartland

Listen to the stories of real people who lived in Illinois. Immerse yourself in the dramatic changes in household life over the past 300 years. Find out more ...

Civil War Quilters: Loyal Hearts of Illinois -- February 03, 2013 to September 08, 2013

With equal vigor of the enlisting Union soldiers, loyal Illinois women organized to support soldiers on the field and in the hospital, as they braced themselves for the changes in family and community life that the war would bring.

This exhibition features quilts, Civil War military supplies and weapons, a regimental drum, household artifacts and stories of women’s work and struggles during the Civil War.

CLICK to Press Release for more information. Find out more ...

Currently on exhibit at the Illinois State Museum, Springfield from February 03, 2013 to September 08, 2013

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

From Humble Beginnings: Lincoln's Illinois 1830-1861 -- January 01, 2012 to September 30, 2013

To commemorate the bicentennial of Abraham Lincoln's birth the Illinois State Museum presents a captivating perspective of the Illinois Lincoln called home through objects and stories of the people who lived here. Find out more ...

Currently on exhibit at the ISM Dickson Mounds Museum from January 01, 2012 to September 30, 2013

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

Peoples of the Past

Life-sized dioramas and finely crafted artifacts bring to life Illinois' rich Native American heritage. Find out more ...

The Mary Ann MacLean Play Museum

“We don’t stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing.” George Bernard Shaw Find out more ...

ISM System Events: History

Paul Mickey Science Series: An Archaeological Perspective on Civil War-related Sites in Southern Illinois

Illinois State Museum, Springfield
Wednesday, August 14, 2013, 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

**The Paul Mickey Science Series for June, July, and August will follow a theme on the Civil War and will take place in the Illinois State Museum's Thorne Deuel Auditorium, 502 S. Find out more ...

Paul Mickey Science Series: New Philadelphia (Pike County, Illinois) and the Civil War

Illinois State Museum, Springfield
Wednesday, July 10, 2013, 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

The Paul Mickey Science Series for June, July, and August will follow a theme on the Civil War and will take place in the Illinois State Museum's Thorne Deuel Auditorium, 502 S. Find out more ...

Rendezvous Encampment

ISM Dickson Mounds Museum
Saturday, October 05, 2013 - Sunday, October 06, 2013, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Learn what life was like on the Illinois frontier during the Spoon River Scenic Drive. Find out more ...

Rendezvous Encampment

ISM Dickson Mounds Museum
Saturday, October 12, 2013 - Sunday, October 13, 2013, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Learn what life was like on the Illinois frontier during the Spoon River Scenic Drive. Find out more ...

Native American Game Day

ISM Dickson Mounds Museum
Sunday, October 20, 2013, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Spend an afternoon enjoying a variety of intellectually stimulating and physically challenging Native American games. Find out more ...

Audubon's Adventures in Illinois

Illinois State Museum, Springfield
Friday, June 28, 2013, 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Spend an hour in the studio of one of America’s greatest naturalists and wildlife artists. Find out more ...

Audubon's Adventures in Illinois

Illinois State Museum, Springfield
Friday, July 05, 2013, 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Spend an hour in the studio of one of America’s greatest naturalists and wildlife artists. Find out more ...

Audubon's Adventures in Illinois

Illinois State Museum, Springfield
Friday, July 19, 2013, 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Spend an hour in the studio of one of America’s greatest naturalists and wildlife artists. Find out more ...

Audubon's Adventures in Illinois

Illinois State Museum, Springfield
Friday, August 02, 2013, 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Spend an hour in the studio of one of America’s greatest naturalists and wildlife artists. Find out more ...

Audubon's Adventures in Illinois

Illinois State Museum, Springfield
Friday, August 09, 2013, 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Spend an hour in the studio of one of America’s greatest naturalists and wildlife artists. Find out more ...

Birding in the Museum with Audubon

Illinois State Museum, Springfield
Friday, June 28, 2013, 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Join John James Audubon, portrayed by storyteller Brian “Fox” Ellis, on a unique bird watching adventure as he regales listeners with his in-depth observations of the species found in the Museum’s Changes exhibition.

This program is part of History Comes Alive. Find out more ...

Birding in the Museum with Audubon

Illinois State Museum, Springfield
Friday, July 05, 2013, 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Join John James Audubon, portrayed by storyteller Brian “Fox” Ellis, on a unique bird watching adventure as he regales listeners with his in-depth observations of the species found in the Museum’s Changes exhibition.

This program is part of History Comes Alive. Find out more ...

Birding in the Museum with Audubon

Illinois State Museum, Springfield
Friday, July 19, 2013, 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Join John James Audubon, portrayed by storyteller Brian “Fox” Ellis, on a unique bird watching adventure as he regales listeners with his in-depth observations of the species found in the Museum’s Changes exhibition.

This program is part of History Comes Alive. Find out more ...

Birding in the Museum with Audubon

Illinois State Museum, Springfield
Friday, August 02, 2013, 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Join John James Audubon, portrayed by storyteller Brian “Fox” Ellis, on a unique bird watching adventure as he regales listeners with his in-depth observations of the species found in the Museum’s Changes exhibition.

This program is part of History Comes Alive. Find out more ...

Birding in the Museum with Audubon

Illinois State Museum, Springfield
Friday, August 09, 2013, 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Join John James Audubon, portrayed by storyteller Brian “Fox” Ellis, on a unique bird watching adventure as he regales listeners with his in-depth observations of the species found in the Museum’s Changes exhibition.

This program is part of History Comes Alive. Find out more ...