Countdown to Illinois Bicentennial

CHICAGO (Dec. 1, 2017) — The start of the Illinois Bicentennial is only four days away and each day leading up to the kick off, the office of the Governor will share a winning entry in the Something to Learn About Illinois History video contest.
 
Today's video is by David Zimmerman, a student at Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville. Zimmerman's video centers on the Vandalia State House, the oldest standing state capitol building in Illinois. It was constructed in 89 days in a final effort to keep state government located in Vandalia before it was moved to Springfield. Vandalia served as the state's capital from 1819 until 1839.

David Zimmerman'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.