An Update from Illinois Humanities

August has been full force. I was in  Washington, D.C. for the national gathering marking the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in my role as Chair of the IL America 250th Commission. Being in that space, surrounded by colleagues from across the country, in conversation about the role of history, memory, and civic life, was a powerful reminder of the responsibility we carry in this work – and the particular opportunities we have in Illinois to uplift undertold stories and to retell familiar stories in new ways. I came away from that gathering more convinced than ever before that the  Illinois arts and culture community, and the role we play in preserving our history and heritage, will continue to shape not only our state’s future, but that of our country.  

From cultural centers, to museums and archives, from libraries and community colleges to monuments and memorials, the residents of our state draw strength from arts and culture every day. The work being done – day in and day out – is not only vital to creating an Illinois that is more creative, just, and connected, it is deeply rooted in and built by our diverse communities.  

With this in mind, I want to take a moment to share where we stand as an Illinois Humanities community.  

That said, I’ve had to make some incredibly difficult decisions that impact the people, relationships, and communities at the heart of our work.  

This includes the very difficult decision to close two staff positions, held by long standing champions of the humanities in Illinois. Earlier this month we said goodbye to Mark Hallett, Director of Grants Programs and Matt Meacham, Program Manager for Statewide Engagement. 

On behalf of the staff and board at Illinois Humanities I want to express our deepest gratitude to Mark and Matt. Their work and contributions have shaped Illinois Humanities, and Illinois, in ways that cannot be measured or quantified. There are really, no words, to describe how they have impacted every single person they’ve worked with in their roles here – and know they will continue to make this state, and our world - a better place for all of us through their creativity, generosity, imagination, and authenticity. 

Despite this loss, we remain committed to supporting and invigorating local programming, grantmaking, and to the themes that have always been central to our statewide programs—the concerns, questions, and opportunities that unite us as Illinoisans from Cairo to South Chicago, Decatur to Durand.  

I am writing this from the Quad Cities where I recently hosted a conference session titled, Public Humanities and Forecasting our New Normal. Despite the winds swirling around us, we are in a position to prepare and forecast for the future. It will look different from where we are now - and there will be moments of challenge and loss - but we know what it will take and we have the history, heritage, and collective imagination to protect and preserve the spaces to gather, share and tell stories, and to reflect and create the state we want, need and deserve. 

I want to thank you for your continued support, and looking to the horizon alongside us. 

We believe in a state where the public humanities are central to making the state more just, creative, and connected, and we remain committed to that vision and to you, our statewide community.  

Gabrielle H. Lyon