Teaching the Great Depression

The Illinois State Archives is bringing hard times back Illinois. This fall some 1,400 copies of "Hard Times in Illinois: 1930-1940," the sixth in a series of teaching packets designed to encourage the use of primary archival documents in Illinois classrooms, were distributed to public schools throughout the state. Like its predecessors, "Hard Times in Illinois" includes a teacher's manual and a set of photographic reproductions of documents, some of which include: statewide unemployment records; drought and work relief activities; home and farm foreclosures and tax sales; issues relating to labor unrest and race relations; as well as other state, national, and international topics. Packets allow middle, junior high and high school teachers to teach their students about the Depression era in a creative way. Other packets in the series explore the Illinois and Michigan Canal, Chicago before and after the Great Fire of 1871, Illinois during World War II, and rural life in early Illinois (1818-1880). For more information call 217-782-2226.

Looking for Lincoln weekend planned

The life and times of our 16tn President will be celebrated Saturday and Sunday, November 16 and 17 during "Looking for Lincoln" Weekend in downtown Springfield, activities which will precede the Monday, November 18 dedication of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library.

The event will feature authentically costumed interpreters, artisans, craftsmen, roaming vendors, theatrical performers, and musicians who will be located at numerous locations and will roam the streets and sidewalks of downtown Springfield from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. Period demonstrations and performances will take place in the Lincoln Home neighborhood and at the Lincoln-Herndon Law Offices, Old State Capitol, Bank One, City

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Arts Venue, and Lincoln Depot. There will also be historical re-enactments, children's activities, a symphony performance, and a quilt show.

On Saturday evening at the Illinois State Capitol Building, the Illinois Symphony will present a special concert with selections including Copland's "Lincoln Portrait" and "Fanfare for the Common Man," "Stephen Foster Remembered," "The Star Spangled Banner," and "America the Beautiful." Hie concert is free and open to the public but requires advance tickets, which will be available on a first come, first served basis at downtown locations.

A special first-day cancellation featuring a line draw ing of the Presidential Library will be offered by the U.S. Postal Service from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. each day in the Old State Capitol. Visitors may purchase stamped envelopes with a color drawing of the Library entrance and have these hand-canceled as well.

The dedication of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. on Monday, November 18. Dedication Day begins at the Old State Capitol with a discussion about the latest in Lincoln scholarship featuring some of the top individuals in these fields. Historians and Lincoln authors David Herbert Donald and Doris Kearns Goodwin; Lincoln collector and author Louise Taper; and Abraham Lincoln Association President Robert Eckley are scheduled to speak.

The "Looking for Lincoln" weekend is presented by the Looking for Lincoln Heritage Coalition with cooperation of the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency. The event was funded by a grant from the Department of Commerce and Community Affairs.

Swiss Cottage Scores

Rockford's Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum recently received a $28,218 two-year grant from the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). The «rant will allow the nearly 60-year old museum to hire staff to expand educational programming in area schools .iikI throughout the community. More specifically, funds will be used to augment eight adult education programs and after-school activities in the Rockford Public Schools.

Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum was one of more than 800 applicants vying for $1.5 million in grant funds. Only 179 museums received support. "General Operating Support Grants are only given to museums that have the highest approval rating of their peers," said IMLS director Robert S. Martin. "A museum must excel at every aspect of its operations, from collections' care to public outreach.

"The Christmas Doughnut"

A holiday tradition for a special boy in Quincy, circa 1899. Photo by John Schott, front the Prairie Archives Collection, Springfield.

Today's recipients are, indeed, among the best museums in the nation." Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum is located at 411 Kent Street, Rockford. For more information call 815-964-2424.

Annual meeting set

he 104tn annual meeting of the Illinois State Historical Society will be held in Nauvoo on April 25-26, 2003. Guided tours of historic Mormon and Icarian settlements are planned, as well as visits to local landmarks. Winners of the 2002 AIMHS Annual Awards will also be announced at the banquet. For more information or to make reservations, call 217-525-2781.

Dubious distinction

The Landmark Preservation Council of Illinois seeks nominations for the top Ten Most Endangered Historic Places in Illinois. Since 1994 the Council has asked Illinois preservationists, community leaders, and concerned citizens to nominate properties that could or will go under the wrecking ball in 2003. The good news is that inclusion on the list has proven the salvation of several buildings. The designation focuses attention on the plight of threatened resources; spurs preservationists, philanthropists, public leaders, and activists to action; and exposes communities to preservation alternatives. What is an endangered property?

•  a threatened historic property important to the community
• an irreplaceable icon fallen into disrepair
• The most picturesque farm in the county threatened by urban sprawl
•  A historic building or structure that has caught fire, been abandoned, and/or falling apart, but still standing
•  A group of resources threatened by poor planning or public policy

Applications must be accompanied by 3-5 color snapshops (front, rear, and side views that include the setting; and two color slides. Completed nominations are due Monday, January 20, 2003, and should be sent to: Landmarks Preservation Council of Illinois, 53 West Jackson Boulevard, Suite 752, Chicago, Illinois 60604-3699. For more information call 312-922-1742.

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