Calendar

Doors Open 11 am | Lunch 11:30 am | Program 12-1 pm

In the summer of 1824, the Illinois General Assembly was on the brink of changing our state constitution to permit slavery outright. Though the Northwest Ordinance designated Illinois a “free territory" in 1787, proslavery sentiment in southern Illinois was strong and challenged the efforts to keep the new state of Illinois free. Dr. Caroline Kisiel, Illinois Humanities Road Scholar, will present on the people and events that culminated in Illinois remaining a free state.

Presenter: Dr. Caroline Kisiel, Illinois Humanities Road Scholar

Put on your holiday attire for a fun December program which will begin with a report by Jacob Laurenzana, University of Illinois at Springfield student, who was the recipient of a scholarship from WACCI to attend the National World Affairs Councils of America Conference. Following Jacob’s presentation, a string quartet led by Kamen Petkov, will play beautiful classical music, and then participants will be entertained with holiday music by Bellacappella, an ensemble from the Springfield Choral Society with singers Diane Dietz, Becky Kemp, Kristy Sims, Claire Gordon, Linda Younkin, and Kari Jones
A holiday buffet dinner of foods from around the world will be offered.

Be moved by the intimacy of our Chamber Orchestra performances!

Taichi Fukumura, Music Director

Garrop Spectacle of Light – Haydn Symphony No. 6 “The Morning” – Mozart Symphony No. 39

Save the date!

Details tentative and subject to updates.

As part of the NPR Illinois 50th anniversary celebration, attendees will have the opportunity to mix and learn more about NPR Illinois, Decatur, and the Staley Museum. Snacks and refreshments provided.

Hosted by the Dana-Thomas House Foundation,
Storyteller Timothy Totten will share Frank Lloyd Wright's eight-year project, building the impressive and expansive hotel for the Emperor of Japan. Totten tells intriguing stories of history. The Imperial Hotel required extensive design work and faced dangers - earthquakes, war, and the wrecking ball.

Dinner and presentation

Watch for more details.