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The Illinois State Society (ILSS) is an active non-partisan, non-profit volunteer organization dedicated to promoting the history, culture, commerce, and social traditions of Illinois in the Nation's Capitol.
With a welcoming and open membership along with a robust calendar of social and volunteer activities throughout the year, the ILSS has a proud heritage of being the oldest and first state society in Washington, D.C. |
"The better part of one's life consists of his friendships..."
- U.S. President Abraham Lincoln, Illinois State Society Member
From The Collected Works of Abraham Lincoln edited by Roy P. Basler, Volume II, “Letter to Joseph Gillespie” (July 13, 1849), p. 57.
Featured ILSS Programming: Julius Rosenwald: Innovative Businessman, Visionary Philanthropist
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In celebration of Black History Month, the Illinois State Society, in partnership with the Julius Rosenwald & Rosenwald Schools National Historical Park Campaign presents a discussion of the life of Julius Rosenwald.
Julius Rosenwald was born in 1862 while Abraham Lincoln was president, in a house just one block from the liberator’s own home in Springfield, Illinois. He partnered with Booker T. Washington to build almost 5,400 Southern Schools in communities of color. He was also a generous backer of Black colleges, funding the construction of 22 YMCA/YWCA community centers and urban dormitories during the segregated era. Most notably, he funded a third of the litigation costs of Brown v. Board of Education, which ended school segregation. There were almost 100 participants in attendance including former Illinois governor Bruce Rauner. |
"...For more than a quarter century I have lived among you, and during all that time I have received nothing but kindness at your hands..."
- U.S. President Abraham Lincoln, on leaving Illinois to Washington, D.C.
From the Illinois State Journal, Springfield, Illinois. February 12, 1861. Departure of Mr. Lincoln - Parting Address
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