Honoring the rich history of rural western Illinois, and examining the problems we currently face
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 …
"Instead of volunteering and getting-to-know each other, community-building citizens who once typified this nation…Americans have become privatized, atomized, focused within their property lines." Cited by John Hallwas, On Community: A Crucial Issue, a Small Town, and a Writer's Experience ON THIS EPISODE Our topic today is entitled “A Nation of Strangers.” This episode serves as …
Continue reading "Are We a Nation of Strangers Living Amidst a Fading Sense of Place?"
"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"
"We live in an unprecedented era, when community is under siege from a variety of forces, & the negative ramifications of that are continually mounting." John Hallwas, On Community: A Crucial Issue, a Small Town, and a Writer's Experience ON THIS EPISODE We begin our series on the book "On Community: A Crucial Issue, a …
ON THIS EPISODE This Dime Novel Desperados MINI-POD profiles a Hollywood Western & primary sources that Dr. Hallwas used to write the book. We recommend first listening to the episode this MINI-POD accompanies: Chapter 4: Law & Order and Prison Life HOLLYWOOD WESTERN “High Noon” (1952) starring Gary Cooper, Grace Kelly, & Lloyd Bridges. QUESTIONS …
Continue reading "DND Minipod – Chapter 4: Hollywood Westerns & Primary Sources"
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"
*Western Illinois Museum Press Release The Western Illinois Museum is pleased to welcome the Cuba High School’s History Club to its indoor, Our Front Porch. Members of the club will share their insights on the history of Forgottonia that they learned through conducting oral histories with members of their community. Students and Joe Brewer, Cuba …
ON THIS EPISODE As part of our Oral History in Forgottonia series, Cuba High School junior Jayson Stead interviews local Lincoln enthusiast Rick Klinedinst, about Fulton County during the Civil War. In his day job, Mr. Klinedinst serves as the president of the MidAmerica National Bank. He is also passionate about history and has even …
"They needed a spokesperson. Neal was ideal because he was a great speaker, he was highly intelligent...and he was kind of a ham actually. He loved to talk in front of people." -John Marshall (friend of Neal Gam, Forgottonia's Governor) ON THIS EPISODE As part of our Oral History in Forgottonia series, Cuba High School …
ON THIS EPISODE "The railroads depended on population and product. The population and product depended on shipping. The railroads became the most valuable method of shipping, particularly for landlocked areas like Illinois." -Bill Leitze As part of our Oral History in Forgottonia series, Cuba High School senior Gavin Johnson sits down with local Railroad enthusiast, …
The Forgottonia Project 