Sangamon Experience

Local History Check-In

asutt4 — Tue, 30 Sep 2025 18:00:40 +0000

Local History Check-In asutt4 Tue, 09/30/2025 - 13:00

Take your local history research to the next level with Digging Deeper: Researching Central �山�� with Local Archives. This informative workshop introduces participants to key research tools and collections housed at the �山�� State Archives, the Sangamon Valley Collection at Lincoln Library, and the University of �山�� Springfield Archives.

Each institution will provide an overview of the historical records available in their collections, including government documents, personal papers, photographs, maps, newspapers, oral histories, and rare local publications. Attendees will learn how to access and navigate a variety of finding aids, indexes, and digital tools to streamline their research process.

Experts from each archive will share insider tips on making the most of their facilities, how to prepare for a research visit, and strategies for uncovering lesser-known resources. Whether you’re working on a community project, writing a family history, or just curious about the region’s past, this workshop will equip you with the knowledge and confidence to explore Central �山�� history in depth.

Perfect for educators, genealogists, students, and local history enthusiasts!

Presenters

Catheryne Popovitch is the Director of the �山�� State Archives, where she leads efforts to preserve and provide access to over 200 million state records. She previously served as Deputy Director, overseeing reference services, publications, and digitization projects, including a federal grant to make 40,000 photographs by African American photographer Eddie Winifred “Doc” Helm widely accessible. Popovitch is also Deputy Coordinator for the �山�� State Historical Records Advisory Board and a recipient of the Society of American Archivists’ Mark A. Greene Emerging Leader Award. She holds a B.A. in History from Millikin University and an M.S. in Library and Information Science from the University of �山�� at Urbana-Champaign.

Michael Hall is the supervisor of the �山�� Regional Archives Depository (IRAD) program at the �山�� State Archives. He oversees the preservation, management, and accessibility of local government records across �山��, coordinating with university partners and supervising staff and interns. Previously, Hall worked as a Local Records Management field representative, gaining extensive experience in records management and archival practices. He also leads digitization efforts and provides training for archivists, helping ensure �山��’ historical records remain accessible to researchers, genealogists, and the public.

Katrina Burch is the University Archivist at the University of �山�� Springfield, managing the University Archives and Special Collections, preserving materials related to UIS, Sangamon State University, and regional history. She oversees physical collections, digital collections, and supports research. Prior to UIS, Burch was an Archives Associate at North Dakota State University, where she led digitization projects, processed collections, provided reference services to a variety of patrons, and expanded public engagement through exhibits and social media. She began her archival career at Washington State University and holds an M.L.I.S. from San Jose State University and a B.A. in History and Anthropology from Washington State University.

Stephanie Martin is the manager of the Sangamon Valley Collection at the Lincoln Library, Springfield’s public library. She oversees the library’s local history and genealogy resources, helping researchers, students, and community members explore the rich cultural and historical heritage of the Sangamon Valley. With a passion for preserving local history, Stephanie supports public programs, archival projects, and community engagement initiatives that connect Sangamon County residents to their past.

When

Fri, Oct 24 2025, 9am - 4:30pm

Location

Student Union, University of �山�� Springfield

Event Type

Workshop

Department

Sangamon Experience

NPR �山�� 50th Anniversary Exhibit Opening

jcook36 — Thu, 14 Aug 2025 19:32:23 +0000

NPR �山�� 50th Anniversary Exhibit Opening jcook36 Thu, 08/14/2025 - 14:32

Join NPR �山�� and Sangamon Experience for a special evening that celebrates 50 years of public radio at the University of �山�� Springfield. Special guest Michel Martin from NPR's Morning Edition will be on hand as we open an exhibit that chronicles the first half-century of the station's history. "Radio That Listens to You: 50 Years of NPR �山��" will explore the hardships and joys of keeping local news reporting alive.

The exhibit opening will take place at Lincoln Library in downtown Springfield, and will be followed by a cocktail hour at First Presbyterian Church right across the street from the library. Register by September 15th to take part in this unforgettable night!

When

Thu, Sep 18 2025, 6 - 9pm

Location

Lincoln Library - 326 South 7th Street, Springfield

Event Type

Campus

Department

NPR �山��

Sangamon Experience

“Soul & Soil: Farming in the Sangamon River Valley” selected for screening at Farm to Film Fest

bwood8 — Wed, 12 Feb 2025 16:20:05 +0000

“Soul & Soil: Farming in the Sangamon River Valley” selected for screening at Farm to Film Fest bwood8 Wed, 02/12/2025 - 10:20

Sangamon Experience - Grand Opening Of New Exhibit: Soil & Soul

hbruc3 — Tue, 29 Oct 2024 15:49:26 +0000

Sangamon Experience - Grand Opening Of New Exhibit: Soil & Soul hbruc3 Tue, 10/29/2024 - 10:49

The Sangamon Experience at the University of �山�� Springfield invites you to attend the grand opening of its new exhibit, Soil & Soul: Farming in the Sangamon River valley, which includes a documentary film that tells the stories of 10 individuals who have spent their lives farming throughout the Sangamon River valley, an area that encompasses approximately 1,500 square in central �山��.

Soil & Soul is presented by United Community Bank, with additional funding from the Melvin Wing Charitable Trust and the Dan and Carolyn Dungan Family Fund.

Event Details

Date: Nov. 7, 2024

Time: 6:00 -7:00 PM

Location: Brookens Auditorium

Premiere of Soul & Soul: Farming in the Sangamon River valley

Time: 7:00 - 8:00 PM

Location: View Soil & Soul exhibit at the Sangamon Experience.

Food and refreshments from local vendors will be served.

This is a free event but registration is required. at the link below.

When

Thu, Nov 7 2024, 6 - 8pm

Location

Brookens Auditorium and Sangamon Experience

Event Type

Employee

Faculty

Department

Sangamon Experience

New “Soil & Soul” exhibit and film explore the history of farming in Sangamon County

bwood8 — Wed, 23 Oct 2024 14:41:34 +0000

New “Soil & Soul” exhibit and film explore the history of farming in Sangamon County bwood8 Wed, 10/23/2024 - 09:41

UIS’ Sangamon Experience explores central �山�� journalism and social justice in the 1980s

bwood8 — Mon, 01 Jul 2024 19:59:19 +0000

UIS’ Sangamon Experience explores central �山�� journalism and social justice in the 1980s bwood8 Mon, 07/01/2024 - 14:59

Echoes of Change: Central �山�� Journalism and Social Justice in the 1980s

asutt4 — Fri, 03 May 2024 22:06:59 +0000

Echoes of Change: Central �山�� Journalism and Social Justice in the 1980s asutt4 Fri, 05/03/2024 - 17:06

Echoes of Change: Central �山�� Journalism and Social Justice in the 1980s

Echoes of Change: Central �山�� Journalism and Social Justice in the 1980s is a captivating exploration of the profound impact of local journalism during a transformative era. In this enlightening program, we delve into the vital role played by journalists in Central �山�� as they confronted and reported on the �山�� Human Rights Law (1979), Equal Rights Amendment Rally (1982), Urban Renewal (1983), the Desegregation of Local Government in Springfield (1987), and the creation of the Central �山�� Gay Lesbian Task Force.

Moreover, the program explores journalists' ethical dilemmas and professional challenges in pursuing truth and justice. It underscores the importance of journalistic principles such as accuracy, fairness, and impartiality, which guided reporters in their quest to uncover and expose social injustices.

By revisiting the stories and struggles of Central �山�� in the 1980s, "Echoes of Change" not only honors the legacy of local journalism but also invites reflection on its enduring relevance in today's world. In an era marked by shifting media landscapes and evolving challenges, the program is a powerful reminder of journalists' essential role in safeguarding democracy and promoting social change.

When

Wed, Jul 24 2024, 6 - 7:30pm

Location

UIS Student Union Full Ballroom, 2251 Richard Wright Drive, Springfield, �山�� 62703

Event Type

Campus

Department

Sangamon Experience

Understanding Inequality: Redlining is only part of the story

asutt4 — Fri, 03 May 2024 17:31:22 +0000

Understanding Inequality: Redlining is only part of the story asutt4 Fri, 05/03/2024 - 12:31

Understanding Inequality: Redlining is only part of the story

Redlining, some scholars contend, has become a “narrative crutch” that obscures a much longer history of housing discrimination. Redlining didn’t create systemic racism in American housing patterns, it sanctioned it. Vulnerable communities still feel the impacts of this profitable disinvestment in vast and far-reaching ways. The perpetuation of racist residential patterns far exceeds the reach of government actors. Public and private actors are, in many ways, equally responsible for the spaces we do and do not inhabit to this day. This session will center a local lens and deep dive into new maps and resources added to “Mapping Inequality” and other related digital humanities projects from the University of Richmond’s Digital Scholarship Lab and New American History. Participants will have an opportunity to explore OER resources designed to help seek solutions in the modern era.

Speaker: Annie Evans is the Director of Education and Outreach for New American History at the University of Richmond. Annie is a National Geographic Society Grosvenor Teacher Fellow, a NatGeo Certified Educator and Trainer, and Co-Coordinator of the Virginia Geographic Alliance. With over 30 years of classroom and educational leadership experience, she designs digital humanities curricula, and facilitates professional learning for K-16 teachers and museum educators, focusing on Historical Thinking Skills, GeoLiteracy, Instructional Coaching, Project-Based Learning, and Performance Assessments. She hopes New American History will inspire the next generation of public historians, history educators, and civic leaders.

When

Fri, May 24 2024, 12 - 1pm

Location

Virtual

Event Type

Campus

Department

Sangamon Experience

New UIS Sangamon Experience exhibit tells the history of underrepresented people in central �山��

bwood8 — Mon, 08 Jan 2024 21:29:07 +0000

New UIS Sangamon Experience exhibit tells the history of underrepresented people in central �山�� bwood8 Mon, 01/08/2024 - 15:29

Screening of, The Life and Work of Vachel Lindsay

asutt4 — Thu, 09 Mar 2023 17:46:26 +0000

Screening of, The Life and Work of Vachel Lindsay asutt4 Thu, 03/09/2023 - 11:46

The Life and Work of Vachel Lindsay

You are invited to attend the screening of The Life and Work of Vachel Lindsay, hosted by Sangamon Experience, on Friday, April 14 at the Brookens Auditorium at the University of �山�� Springfield from 6 pm. A panel discussion will follow.

Please reserve your ticket here!

Storyteller Studios

“The Life and Work of Vachel Lindsay” is a new film that explores the eclectic and passionate story of Springfield’s most notable artist. It looks at his influences and upbringing in the late 1800s and brings Lindsay’s poems to life through performances by actors and Lindsay scholars. The film will play at the historic Vachel Lindsay Home in Springfield, �山��.

Interviewed scholars include Jennifer Caldwell, David Logan, Kevin Purcell, Sheila Ryan, and Ian Winterbauer. The film was directed by Kevin Christensen, with production assistant Jared Treece, of The Storyteller Studios. The documentary was produced by Kevin Christensen, Sheila Ryan, Elizabeth Cheney, Justin Blandford, and Aasne Daniels with executive producer Josh Hester. Poetry performances are by Aasne Daniels, James Daniels, Kevin Purcell, Jack Drea, Alina Johnson, Asher Paris, and Sterling Paris.

The documentary was directed and produced by The Storyteller Studios and commissioned by the �山�� Department of Natural Resources and State Historic Sites Springfield.

When

Fri, Apr 14 2023, 6 - 7:30pm

Location

Brookens Auditorium, University of �山�� Springfield, One University Plaza, Springfield, �山��, 62703

Event Type

Art

Department

Sangamon Experience

Sangamon Experience

Local History Check-In

Presenters

NPR �山���� 50th Anniversary Exhibit Opening

“Soul & Soil: Farming in the Sangamon River Valley” selected for screening at Farm to Film Fest

Sangamon Experience - Grand Opening Of New Exhibit: Soil & Soul

Event Details

New “Soil & Soul” exhibit and film explore the history of farming in Sangamon County

UIS’ Sangamon Experience explores central �山���� journalism and social justice in the 1980s

Echoes of Change: Central �山���� Journalism and Social Justice in the 1980s

Echoes of Change: Central �山���� Journalism and Social Justice in the 1980s

Understanding Inequality: Redlining is only part of the story

Understanding Inequality: Redlining is only part of the story

New UIS Sangamon Experience exhibit tells the history of underrepresented people in central �山����

Screening of, The Life and Work of Vachel Lindsay

The Life and Work of Vachel Lindsay

NPR �山�� 50th Anniversary Exhibit Opening

UIS’ Sangamon Experience explores central �山�� journalism and social justice in the 1980s

Echoes of Change: Central �山�� Journalism and Social Justice in the 1980s

Echoes of Change: Central �山�� Journalism and Social Justice in the 1980s

New UIS Sangamon Experience exhibit tells the history of underrepresented people in central �山��