Clark County Historical Society - Illinois

06/19/2026

06/19/2026

🌟🇺🇸 CHAUTAUQUA AT THE CROSSROADS CONTINUES FRIDAY! 🇺🇸🌟

Join us for another wonderful day of history, creativity, and community as we celebrate America's 250th anniversary right here in Marshall!

🪡 10:00 AM–12:00 PM – Pioneer Rag Doll Workshop
Step back in time and create your own pioneer-style rag doll! All materials are provided, and participants of all ages are welcome to enjoy this hands-on glimpse into early American life.

🎥 2:00 PM – Ken Burns Documentary Encore Screening
Missed Thursday's showing? Here's your second chance to experience highlights from The American Revolution by Ken Burns and immerse yourself in the dramatic story of our nation's founding.

🎭 5:30 PM – Dinner Theater at Harlan Hall
An evening of delicious food, lively entertainment, and historical storytelling awaits! Gather with friends and neighbors for one of Chautauqua's most anticipated events.

🎟️ Only a few tickets remain for the Dinner Theater!
Reserve your seat today by calling the library or stopping by in person. Once they're gone, they're gone!

🇺🇸 Celebrate our shared history.
🪡 Create something by hand.
🎥 Experience America's story on screen.
🎭 End the day with an unforgettable evening of food, fellowship, and fun.

We can't wait to welcome you to another memorable day of Chautauqua at the Crossroads! ✨

📅 View the full schedule and register here:
https://www.marshallillibrary.com/news/post/10572/

06/18/2026

🇺🇸🎶✨ Music. History. Democracy. ✨🎶🇺🇸

Join the Marshall Public Library for a special Chautauqua at the Crossroads kickoff performance celebrating America 250 🇺🇸

🎵 The Power of Song in Democracy

Featuring acclaimed folk singer & historian
Chris Vallillo

📅 Thursday, June 18
⏰ 6:30 PM

🎶 From Revolutionary War ballads to Woody Guthrie and the protest songs of the 1950s & 60s, this powerful performance explores how music has:
🗳️ Shaped public opinion
✊ Inspired social change
🇺🇸 Given voice to “We the People” throughout American history

🎸 Featuring acoustic guitar, bottleneck slide guitar, storytelling, and songs that helped define generations, this unforgettable evening connects America’s past to its present through the power of music 🎵

✨ Part concert.
✨ Part history lesson.
✨ Entirely unforgettable.

🎤 This special event is part of Chautauqua at the Crossroads, Marshall’s celebration of America’s 250th Anniversary 🇺🇸

🔗 Learn more / register here:
https://tinyurl.com/MPLPowerofSong
🇺🇸🎶 The story of America has always had a soundtrack. Come hear it live

06/18/2026

🇺🇸📜✨ Spend an Evening with a Founding Father! ✨📜🇺🇸

Step back into the founding era of America during this special Chautauqua at the Crossroads historical performance at the Marshall Public Library!

🇺🇸 John Adams: Architect of Our Democracy

Featuring acclaimed historical performer and Illinois Humanities Road Scholar
Brian 'Fox' Ellis as John Adams

📅 Saturday, June 20
⏰ 6:30 PM
📍 Illinois Room — Marshall Public Library

📜 Discover the debates, ideals, and personalities that shaped the birth of the United States:
⚖️ What rights are guaranteed by the Constitution?
🗳️ How does our government balance power?
🇺🇸 What did “We the People” mean then—and now?

✨ Learn how John Adams:
🖋️ Helped shape the Declaration of Independence
🤝 Guided its approval among all 13 colonies
🪖 Recruited George Washington to lead the military
✍️ Negotiated peace with England after the Revolution

🎭 More than a lecture—this is a lively, interactive historical experience exploring democracy, civil debate, and the enduring promise of America 🇺🇸

This program aligns with the Illinois America 250 theme:
✨ “We the People” ✨

Celebrating the voices and stories that continue to shape our nation
🇺🇸 Part of Chautauqua at the Crossroads, Marshall’s celebration of America’s 250th Anniversary 🇺🇸

🎟️ This is a FREE program, but registration is encouraged!

🔗 Register here: https://www.tinyurl.com/MPLJohnAdams

History comes alive when the past speaks directly to us. Come join the conversation.

06/18/2026

Great day for history lovers at Marshall Public Library - Marshall, Illinois!

🌟🇺🇸 CHAUTAUQUA AT THE CROSSROADS BEGINS TODAY! 🇺🇸🌟

History comes alive in Marshall TODAY as we kick off our celebration of America's 250th anniversary with a full day of learning, music, creativity, and community!

☕ 10:00 AM – Brunch & Learn: Military Research for Family Historians
Discover how to uncover your ancestors' military stories, from enlistment records to pension files. Coffee's on!

🎥 2:00 PM – Exclusive Ken Burns Documentary Screening
Be among the first to view highlights from Ken Burns' highly anticipated documentary The American Revolution and experience the story of our nation's founding through the lens of one of America's most acclaimed filmmakers.

🎨 2:00 PM – Summer Reading Children's Craft
Young patriots and creators are invited for an afternoon of hands-on fun as part of our Plant a Seed, Read! Summer Reading Program.

🎶 6:30 PM – The Power of Song in Democracy
Join acclaimed folk singer and historian Chris Vallillo for an inspiring musical journey through the songs that have united, challenged, and shaped Americans for generations.

Whether you're a history buff, genealogist, music lover, parent, or simply looking for something memorable to do, there's something for everyone at Chautauqua at the Crossroads.

🇺🇸 Celebrate our nation's story.
🎶 Sing along with history.
📚 Learn something new.
🏛️ Make memories in Marshall.

Most events are FREE, but registration is appreciated. Walk-ins are welcome as space allows!

📅 View full schedule and register here:
https://www.marshallillibrary.com/news/post/10572/

📍 Marshall Public Library
📅 Thursday, June 18, 2026

We can't wait to celebrate with you! 🇺🇸✨

06/14/2026

📚💻✨ Discover Your Family Story! ✨💻📚

🗓Wednesday, June 10th🗓

Have you ever wondered where your family came from… or how your ancestors lived right here in Clark County? 🧬

Join the Roots & Records Genealogy Club at the Marshall Public Library and start uncovering your past!

🗓️ 2nd Wednesday of each month
⏰ 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM

👩‍🏫 Led by Head Librarian & Genealogist
Jamie Poorman

🔍 What you’ll discover:
📖 Tips & guidance for family history research
🗂️ Access to unique local records
👥 Connect with fellow genealogy enthusiasts
📚 Resources you’ll explore:
✨ Family history books & binders
🪦 Cemetery & vital records
📜 Early wills, court records & local histories
💻 Free access to Ancestry Library Edition & Illinois Digital Archives
🌐 FamilySearch (we’re an affiliate library with expanded access!)

💡 Whether you're just starting or deep into your research, this is the perfect place to learn, share, and discover

📚🧬 Your story is waiting—come find it.

06/14/2026

☀️📚🌱 SUMMER READING 2026 🌱📚☀️
Plant a Seed, READ!

Summer Reading is in full swing here at Marshall Public Library. Join for ALL the fun - including movie, crafts, hands-on programs, and PRIZES!