Gov. Pritzker Unveils Illinois’ Celebration of America’s 250th Anniversary

CHICAGO — Today, Governor JB Pritzker joined members of the Illinois America 250 Commission at Navy Pier’s iconic Centennial Wheel on Lake Michigan to announce a series of statewide initiatives to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in 2026. Celebrations marking the nation’s birth in 1776 with the signing of the Declaration will take place across the country in 2026, culminating on July 4.

“The story of Illinois has always been the story of America, and our America 250 celebration will tell that story through programming, events, and education in every corner of the state,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “I want to invite all Illinoisans to take part in this celebration with your family, friends, and neighbors — to educate one another and tell the stories of people who make Illinois the best state in the country, and America the greatest country in the world.”

The Illinois America 250 Commission was established by state law to organize an inclusive, statewide celebration that uplifts local stories, highlights significant places, and programs, and showcases how Illinoisans bring to life the ideals of the Declaration.

To date, 68 of Illinois’ 102 counties are involved in planning for the commemoration, 93 communities have passed resolutions to participate, and 166 individual organizational partners have signed on. Hundreds of museums, historic sites, and cultural institutions are already hosting exhibits, tours, performances, and festivals tied to the anniversary.

“Illinois has always stood at the heart of the American story, and Illinoisans have continually worked to fulfill the promise of the Declaration of Independence. From advancing equality and expanding freedom to challenging tyranny in all its forms, generations of Illinoisans have pushed our nation closer to the ideals we cherish,” said Gabrielle Lyon, Chair of the Illinois America 250 Commission and Executive Director of Illinois Humanities. “As we mark the 250th anniversary, we honor not only our history but the people across this state who strive every day to ensure the pursuit of happiness is a reality for all.”

Among the anniversary plans announced:

• Public Art Grants: In partnership with the Governor’s Office and Illinois Humanities, the Illinois Arts Council will provide $15,000 each to 20 organizations across the state for public art installations.
• 250th Commemorative Passport: The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity’s (DCEO) Office of Tourism, Enjoy Illinois, and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) have partnered with the Illinois Museum Association to create a limited-edition keepsake passport, which will be available at select passport locations, visitor bureaus, and other sites.
• Illinois United in Service: This statewide call to action sponsored by Serve Illinois invites Illinoisans to strengthen their communities through meaningful volunteer work starting on Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
• Illinois Voices 250: Illinois Humanities is partnering with Story Corps Studios to record and preserve Illinoisans’ reflections on the 250th anniversary in the Library of Congress. Beginning in March, anyone in the state will be able to record a conversation online. In addition, Illinois Humanities will be hosting five pop-up story studio locations between Juneteenth and July 4th.
• Pocket Declarations: The Illinois America 250 Commission and the State of Illinois have printed pocket-size copies of the Declaration of Independence, which will be made available to classrooms and libraries across the state upon request while supplies last.
• Youth Art Contest: Sponsored by the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum (ALPLM) and the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE), young artists are invited to reflect on what America 250 means to them. Winning artwork will be displayed in Springfield. Deadline to submit is December 19.
• Visit the 250th in Illinois: The Enjoy Illinois website has developed special Illinois America 250 content, highlighting the state’s unique place at the center of our national story.
• New 250th Logo: The Illinois Department of Central Management Services’ (CMS) design team created a new Illinois America 250 logo that invokes the Illinois-invented Ferris Wheel, symbolizing innovation, excitement, and the wheel of time.

“Illinois is proud to join the nation in commemorating America 250 with a year-long celebration that will showcase the very best of our state,” said DCEO Director Kristin Richards. “From our vibrant cities to our charming small towns, Illinois offers an unmatched blend of history, culture, and hospitality, and we're excited for visitors to experience the people and places that make our state unforgettable.”

“IDNR is proud to care for some of Illinois’ most meaningful historic sites and outdoor spaces, many of which date back to the era of the American Revolution, the early Illinois Country years and even earlier,” said IDNR Director Natalie Phelps Finnie. “As the 250th celebration gets underway across the state, we’re excited to welcome people from Illinois and beyond to pick up a commemorative passport, explore the people and places that shaped Illinois’ past and present, and consider what the future may hold for our state and our nation during the next 250 years.”

“As we approach the 250th anniversary of the United States, I'm thrilled to see the Illinois Arts Council collaborating with the Governor’s office to empower our communities through public art,” said IAC Executive Director Joshua Davis-Ruperto. “These grants offer a unique opportunity for artists across Illinois to bring to life the diverse stories and shared values that have shaped our nation, fostering civic engagement and cultural pride. By investing in local creativity, we are not only celebrating our rich history but also paving the way for a more inclusive and vibrant future.”

Communities and organizations are invited to become official Illinois America 250 partners, gaining access to planning tools and promotional support. The Commission has released additional resources to support commemorations, including educational materials for families, teacher and librarians, and program guides for communities and civic organizations.

Illinoisans who want to get involved in events near them can visit the Illinois America 250 Commission’s community calendar at www.il250.org/events.

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