Educator Resources
We are dedicated to empowering you in your mission to educate the next generation of Prairie Stars about the fascinating past and dynamic present of Central Illinois!
When your students visit the Sangamon Experience, engage in National History Day in Illinois, or delve into our books in your classroom, they are not just absorbing knowledge—they are laying the groundwork to become active, informed citizens in our state. Take advantage of the high-quality curriculum we've developed to enhance your teaching journey.
Delivering top-notch statewide educational programs, invaluable resources, and enriching field trips is at the heart of our mission. Every aspect of our offerings, from field trips to outreach programs and curricula, is meticulously aligned with Illinois academic standards.
For any questions or support, please reach out to us at sangamonexperience@uis.edu. We are here to help you succeed in shaping the leaders of tomorrow.
Lesson Plans
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Teaching History Where It Happened
The Sangamon Experience offers classroom-ready lesson plans that help educators bring local history into meaningful conversation with state and national narratives. Grounded in primary sources, community stories, and historical inquiry, these lessons are designed to support Illinois Learning Standards while encouraging critical thinking, empathy, and civic awareness.
- Remembering the Springfield, Illinois, 1908 Race Riot (Grades 6-8)
- How Should We Remember the 1908 Race Riot (Grades 9-12)
- Teaching Local History, Shaping National Narratives (Teacher Slides)
Together, these resources empower educators to teach history that is relevant, place-based, and connected—inviting students to better understand the past in order to more thoughtfully engage with the present.
Plan your Trip
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Bring learning to life with a visit to the Sangamon Experience. Located at the University of Illinois Springfield, our exhibits help students explore central Illinois history through a local lens that connects directly to classroom learning.
Rural Initiative
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Explore. Preserve. Teach Local History.
Join the Sangamon Experience’s Rural Initiative this summer and help uncover the stories that define Central Illinois. This four-month project connects educators, students, and local historical societies to preserve rural heritage and bring it into the classroom.
Summer 2026 Project Overview
From May–August 2026, participants will:
- Document and Preserve Local History – Partner with a local historical society to digitize key artifacts and preserve local history.
- Develop Curriculum Resources – Create engaging, standards-aligned lesson plans for K–12 classrooms.
- Strengthen Community Partnerships – Collaborate with historians, educators, and residents.
- Share Stories – Contribute to the Sangamon Experience’s growing digital collection and storymap platform.
Why Get Involved?
- Connect your classroom to your community’s history.
- Build lasting partnerships between schools and local museums.
- Preserve rural stories for future generations.
- Contribute to a region-wide digital history initiative.
Participating counties include:
Bond, Cass, Christian, Fayette, Greene, Jersey, Macon, Macoupin, Mason, Menard, Montgomery, Morgan, Sangamon, and Scott.
Paid opportunity for Local Educators- Summer 2026 Applications Available January 2026
- Develop curriculum inspired by your county’s history.
- Receive a summer stipend of $5,000.
- Open to certified teachers with at least two years of classroom experience.
Student Resources
Discover more about your local history! Central Illinois has an exciting history waiting for you to explore. Use these resources for school projects:
Kindergarten through High School
Reclaimed Local History
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Reclaimed Local History is an elementary-level video series highlighting the importance of local history. Learn more about how our communities make us who we are and why your story matters!
Road Trip Videos
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Travel central Illinois no matter where you are! Sangamo Road Trip and the Fair Weather Tour bring you to our area’s coolest spots.
Central Illinois Facts & Fun
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Did you know these fun facts about central Illinois? Learn more about the strange things that won’t make it into your textbook.
Famous People of Central Illinois - Coming Soon!
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Did you know these famous people are from central Illinois?
University Students
Graduate Assistantships
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Are you a graduate student passionate about local history? Join the Sangamon Experience as part of your graduate studies!
The Sangamon Experience offers a two-year appointment to one graduate student eager to work hands-on with local history research, interpretation, and outreach. Assistants receive a tuition waiver, monthly stipend, and invaluable experience as a public historian. Upon completing the assistantship, graduate students leave with practical knowledge and an extensive resume.
Apply for graduate assistantships at the University of Illinois Springfield here!
Here is what former Graduate Assistants had to say about working at the Sagnamon Experience:
Evie Rodenbaugh
Working for the Sangamon Experience has been the greatest blessing for my professional experience and sense of purpose as a public historian.
Evie Rodenbaugh, 2026
As a graduate student with the Sangamon Experience, Evie Rodenbaugh researched untouched archival materials at NPR Illinois, conducted oral histories, and digitized collections to interpret the 50-year history of public radio in central Illinois. Her research culminated in a traveling exhibit at the Lincoln Library, a digital exhibit, and an article published in the Illinois Heritage magazine. Evie was awarded the 2025 Russell Lewis Award for a Young Museum Professional from the Illinois State Historical Society for her work with NPR Illinois and social media content creation.
Project Opportunities
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Looking for a university-level history project? Reach out to the Sangamon Experience!
We are passionate about giving university students a platform to practice historical study. Through community collaboration, the Sangamon Experience is a resource for students to access local archives, connect with local sites, and share their interpretation of central Illinois history.
Contact the Sangamon Experience to learn more!
Rural Initiative
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Explore. Preserve. Teach Local History.
Join the Sangamon Experience’s Rural Initiative this summer and help uncover the stories that define Central Illinois. This four-month project connects educators, students, and local historical societies to preserve rural heritage and bring it into the classroom.
Summer 2026 Project Overview
From May–August 2026, participants will:
- Document and Preserve Local History – Partner with a local historical society to digitize key artifacts and preserve local history.
- Develop Curriculum Resources – Create engaging, standards-aligned lesson plans for K–12 classrooms.
- Strengthen Community Partnerships – Collaborate with historians, educators, and residents.
- Share Stories – Contribute to the Sangamon Experience’s growing digital collection and storymap platform.
Why Get Involved?
- Connect your classroom to your community’s history.
- Build lasting partnerships between schools and local museums.
- Preserve rural stories for future generations.
- Contribute to a region-wide digital history initiative.
Participating counties include:
Bond, Cass, Christian, Fayette, Greene, Jersey, Macon, Macoupin, Mason, Menard, Montgomery, Morgan, Sangamon, and Scott.
Paid opportunity for UIS Graduate Students- Summer 2026 Applications Available after January 2026
- Digitize and catalog historical materials.
- Gain hands-on experience in public history and digital collections.
- Receive a $5,000 stipend.