Countdown to Illinois Bicentennial

CHICAGO (Dec. 3, 2017) — Today marks the beginning of the Illinois Bicentennial. Each day leading up to the kick off, the office of the Governor has shared a winning entry in the Something to Learn About Illinois History video contest.
 
Today's video, the final in the countdown, is by Annie Krall, a student at Northwestern University. Krall's video centers on the world renowned Art Institute of Chicago. The Art Institute as we know it was founded in 1879, but can trace its origins to the Chicago Academy of Design.
 
Annie Krall's video submission can be found here.
 
"The Bicentennial is all about showcasing the best of what has been born, built and grown in Illinois," said Gov. Bruce Rauner. "The work of the young people who produced these videos is a tremendous display of talent and resourcefulness - Illinois style."
 
A panel of five selected the winners after participants submitted self-made videos highlighting a fact, event, place, person or something to learn about Illinois history. High school and college students across the state were invited to participate. One hundred winners were selected, with each receiving two tickets to the matinee performance of "Hamilton" on Sunday, Dec. 3 — one of the day's official kickoff events for the yearlong Illinois Bicentennial celebration.
 
Events leading up to the Illinois Bicentennial Birthday Party on Dec. 3, 2018, will continue throughout the year. Additional information is available at www.illinois200.com.
 
The Illinois Bicentennial Commission and the Governor's Office of the Illinois Bicentennial were created through an Executive Order signed Sept. 20, 2016, to lead the planning for the celebration of the state's 200th anniversary.
 
ABOUT ILLINOIS BICENTENNIAL
Two hundred years ago, on Dec. 3, 1818, Illinois became the 21st state in the Union. Since then, the people of Illinois have banded together to transform this once-barren and uninviting land into a remarkable place of awe-inspiring beauty, accomplishment and culture. The Illinois Bicentennial is a yearlong celebration and an invitation to fall in love with Illinois all over again. Citizens are encouraged to participate in the celebration by visiting www.illinois200.com and using the hashtag #IllinoisProud.
 
Partners and event and project managers planning activities between Dec. 3, 2017, and Dec. 3, 2018, can apply for endorsement to become an official part of Illinois Bicentennial by visiting the PARTICIPATE page at www.Illinois200.com for more information.