Honoring the rich history of rural western Illinois, and examining the problems we currently face
"Rural schools may lack big-city resources, but they have something just as powerful—strong community ties, flexibility to innovate, and educators who wear many hats to make learning meaningful." On This Episode We sit down with John Glasgow, Program Director of the Rural CTE Project (in partnership with The Association of Illinois Rural and Small Schools …
"Our job is to find out what the needs and barriers are around early childhood care and education… and help align goals so we’re all working on the same thing." Shannon McKee, Family & Community Engagement Specialist, Birth to Five Illinois: Region 26 On This Episode We had the privilege of speaking with Paul Larson, …
"How we define rural is very personal and why we care about it is often for very personal reasons too." On This Episode We sit down with Dr. Pamela Riney-Kehrberg, a historian whose work brings the complex and often misunderstood story of rural America to life. Dr. Riney-Kehrberg helps us unpack two chapters from the …
Continue reading "Exploring Rural Identity and History with Dr. Pamela Riney-Kehrberg"
"We discover who we are face to face and side by side with other people, in work, love, and learning." Robert Bellah ON THIS EPISODE This episode explores the power of SOCIAL Connections and its impact on community. Our post-pandemic world has revealed the damage that isolation has on each of us. Are we social …
Continue reading "Are We Social Animals? Exploring the Power of Social Connections"
How do we follow our dreams and be all that we can be without adequately fulfilling our civic responsibilities to the community as a whole? "The unique spiritual mission of America” demanded a positive, welcoming approach to immigrants." Mary Antin, The Promised Land ON THIS EPISODE This episode explores whether or not American society is …
"The best ideas are going to come from your generation...it's time to be innovative to address these issues. Action starts with you." Tara Rumler, The 1024 Movement ON THIS EPISODE We are pleased to share this interview with Tara Rumler of the 1024 Movement. Tara is a native of Forgottonia whose work has brought her …
Continue reading "How the 1024 Movement is Helping Youth Prioritize their Mental Health"
On this episode, we’re thrilled to share an update about New Philadelphia with Marynel Corton, the executive director of the New Philadelphia Museum. Last year we interviewed Marynel about New Philadelphia, one of the most important historical communities in the U.S. and located right here in rural Forgottonia (Pike County to be exact; Marynel lives …
Continue reading "New Philadelphia Earns National Park Status: An Update with Marynel Corton"
The Forgottonia Project 