Illinois Launches Major Cultural Events for America’s 250th Anniversary

Illinois is marking the nation’s 250th anniversary with a series of public events and exhibitions throughout 2024, offering residents and visitors an array of opportunities to engage with history, art, and music. Key venues across the state are presenting commemorative programming from spring through fall.

The Newberry Library in Chicago has inaugurated its celebrations with an exhibition focused on the Declaration of Independence and a live public reading of the document starting April 9, continuing through September 19. The library will also display wartime political illustrations and host Newberry Fest, featuring Revolution-era artifacts. Admission to these events at 60 W. Walton St. is free.

In Glen Ellyn, the Cleve Carney Museum of Art, in partnership with the McAninch Art Center and College of DuPage Foundation, is showcasing the outdoor exhibition “Walking with Giants.” The series features 10-foot sculptures of prominent American artists, designed by local talents Judith Mayer and Rich Lo, and runs through the summer at 425 Fawell Blvd.

The Chicago Symphony Orchestra will honor American composers throughout June with concerts at Symphony Center, featuring works by George Gershwin, Charles Ives, John Williams, and Wynton Marsalis. Notably, “Lincoln Portrait & Ellington Harlem” will include performances narrated by Chicago actor Harry Lennix.

Elsewhere, the Chicago Botanic Garden is hosting “America Grows: 250 Years of Garden Stories,” a series of exhibitions and panels exploring U.S. gardening history from June 5 to September 30, while the Southern Illinois Music Festival will present orchestral and pops concerts from June 18 through July 4 at various locations.

The DLO Musical Theatre in Danville will produce the Tony-winning musical “1776” from June 26-28, and the Sones de Mexico Ensemble will perform traditional corridos inspired by American historical figures in a free concert at the Chicago History Museum on June 27.

Additional highlights include rotating art installations and exhibition updates at the Chicago History Museum, festivities at the Chicago Air and Water Show on August 15-16 featuring special 250th anniversary content, and public tours during Open House Chicago in October, curated by the Chicago Architecture Center.

These statewide events reflect Illinois’ commitment to honoring the American semiquincentennial with accessible cultural programming. Further updates on commemorative activities are expected as the year progresses.