The year 2002 marked the 125th anniversary of the Illinois State Museum

This section of our Web site celebrates that anniversary with a narrative tour ("The First Century")of past museum facilities and the building of our collections, and an article on the Museumobile that brought the ISM to schools and communities throughout the state.

"The Modern Era" article highlights the activities and exhibits of today's ISM, with its five facilities. It features the new "Changes" exhibit that is to open in 2003 on the first floor.

"Looking Ahead" projects the growth of the ISM into the twenty-first century with plans for an expansion of the building that will hold permanent and changing exhibits.

Resources on the museum and its history include printed articles and the Behind the Scenes at the Museum Web module. Teachers and students can learn about museum careers and classroom activities such as creating a classroom gallery, museum, or herbarium.