Do you need a program for your local organization?

The Sangamon Experience is proud to offer free programs for local history organizations, showcasing a diverse range of engaging topics.

Soil & Soul: Farming in the Sangamon River Valley

This program traces central Illinois agriculture from ten farmers throughout the Sangamon River Valley. Through vivid maps, photos, and voices of local growers, the exhibit reveals how generations have shaped—and been shaped by—the Sangamon River’s fertile land, inviting visitors to consider their own ties to food, soil, and community.

Fashioned for You: 1850s Fashion for the Modern Woman

Explore how clothing in 1850s Illinois reflected a woman’s social class, values, and daily life. From the elite styles of Springfield’s upper class to the practical dress of rural and working women, this presentation reveals how fashion was shaped by class distinctions, regional trends, and changing roles in a rapidly growing state.

Teaching Local History, Shaping National Narratives

This program explores the intersection of local history and civil rights in Springfield, Illinois. It focuses on the desegregation of local government and key historical moments, such as the election of the first Black alderman. Educators will learn to use primary sources like city council minutes, oral histories, and census data to challenge dominant narratives and incorporate marginalized voices into their teaching.

Connecting local events to national struggles, participants will explore how to teach about health, education, generational wealth, and the legacy of race riots. Program will equip educators with strategies to engage students in critical thinking and media literacy, fostering informed, active citizens who can help sustain a democratic society.

Desegregating Lincoln's Hometown

In 1987, U.S. Judge Harold Baker made an important ruling about the government system in the city of Springfield. He said that the way the government was set up, called commission government, had made it hard for African Americans to have a voice and get elected to city office.

Learn how the struggle to change Springfield’s local government helped to make sure that the city’s population was represented by all walks of life and had a better chance of being represented in the city's government. It was an important step towards making the government fairer and more inclusive for all people.

If you're interested in learning more about our local history programs or would like to request a session for your organization, please don't hesitate to contact us at sangamonexperience@uis.edu. We look forward to collaborating with you!