Letters

Historic markers

To the editor:

I'm interested in historical markers related to African-American heritage. I've found the complete listing of markers at your website, but wondered if there is a list which highlights those specifically related to black history. I tried using the website "Search" function, since sometimes that will return a list, but it didn't work in this case. Thanks for any help you can provide!

Gerri Gribi, Curator
http://AfroAmericanHeritage.com
Green Bay, WI

Editor's note:

Thanks much for your email note. We appreciate your interest in our marker programs, particularly regarding African-American heritage. We do not have an index that breaks down our markers by race or ethnicity, but I suspect we have only a few that specifically relate to African-American contributions in Illinois history. The Society is not affiliated with the state and does not put up markers unless they have sponsors. In the five years I've been here, no African-American group has inquired about placing a historical marker, and no community organization has offered to sponsor one.

Recently we read about the housing project in Chicago where Rev. Martin Luther King stayed during the fair housing protests in Sixties. I thought this would be a good site, but unless we have a sponsor and permission to place a marker on private property, we have no authority to do so. There are plenty of sites that could and should be recognized; unfortunately, there just aren't enough sponsors.

To the editor:

Is it true that some of the original historical markers in Illinois may have been replaced or lost over time? It might be a good project to enlist local history buffs to find and verify markers in their towns and take pictures to post on your site. Also, nowadays they could give you GPS coordinates to really pinpoint their locations. Thanks for preserving our past!

Alan Gornik
Western Springs, IL

Editor's note:

Though set in concrete, ISHS historical markers are not permanent structures. In the program's 75-year history, several markers have been lost or destroyed; others simply have been relocated. The Society has several volunteers who record GPS coordinates of its markers, but more are always welcome. Coordinates will be listed on the Society's website at

www.historyillinois.org. To volunteer in your county, call

Want to help out the Illinois State Historical Society?

Here's our top-ten list of ways you can make a difference in preserving and promoting Illinois history:

1.   Marker Restoration

Are you looking for a special group project for your Scout Troop, classroom, historical society, or civic group? Help restore a historic marker in your community. The Society has more than 400 markers, many of them in need of repair, reinterpretation, or restoration.

2.   Sponsor a Centennial Award business.

For more than 22 years the Society has honored more than 1,100 businesses and organizations that have achieved their centennial year. You can help by sponsoring a business, purchasing a plaque, making a donation, or buying a ticket to the dinner.

3.   Buy a membership for a friend.

Does your public library have a subscription to Illinois Heritage or the journal? Do you know a student or senior citizen who loves history? Give the gift of Illinois history.

4.  Sponsor a history club.

Many high schools in the state already have students interested in Illinois history and involved in history clubs. Find out if there is one in your hometown and give it a membership in the Society.

5.   Nominate a history teacher for the Olive Foster Award.

Every year the Society gives out awards for history teachers who have made a difference in the classroom and their communities. Prizes of $500 are awarded to teachers at the elementary, junior high, and senior high level.

6.   Make a bequest to the Society.

If you can afford to remember the Illinois State Historical Society in your will, either in support of one of our programs or as a general gift to the operating needs of the Society, we welcome any and all gifts.

7.  Buy an ad in Illinois Heritage.

Help promote your business or commemorate an occasion in Illinois history with an ad in the Society's popular history magazine. Ads are relatively inexpensive and help us pay our print bill. You'll also be reaching an audience that cares about history.

8.   Volunteer at a Society special event.

We all know what wonderful programs the Annual Meeting, the Illinois History Symposium, and the Centennial Awards are. Consider volunteering a day at one of these events over the course of the year. You'll want to participate every year.

9.   Be an Illinois Heritage correspondent.

Whether you write a feature article or a news story, or simply contribute news of a history-related event taking place in your community, we welcome your participation.

10.   Donate often.

Whether you send in $5 a month or $5,000 a year, your gifts have a significant impact on the Society's ability to complete its mission. A $10 gift buys office supplies; a donation of $3,800 covers the printing, bill on a single issue of Illinois Heritage. A $75 gift covers the postage for a bulk mailing to potential new members. Every gift counts.

Illinois Heritage 3