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Welcome to the Illinois State Museum System

The Illinois State Museum System includes the headquarters museum and ISM-Research & Collections Center both in Springfield with branch sites ISM-Dickson Mounds in Lewistown, and ISM-Lockport Gallery in Lockport. 

The Illinois State Museum System inspires exploration of Illinois' past and present to inform and enrich everyday life and to promote stewardship of cultural and natural resources for the future. The Museum's extensive collections and research activities provide the foundation for exhibitions and public programs that tell the story of the land, life, people, and art of Illinois.

We Want to Hear From YOU!

IHD is a program and history contest that teachers 6-12th graders historical research and analysis through Project Based Learning.

IHD wants to know...

Have you heard of or participated in Illinois History Day?

What supports do you need to implement this program into your classroom?

What supports do your students need to successfully submit a project?

Take the Survey

What's New . . . 

Kevin Veara: Exult

Springfield artist Kevin Veara paints eye-popping scenes of birds among imagined and mutant landscapes. 

Check out what's happening across our sites.

Here, There: New Perspectives on the Collection opening at Lockport Gallery!

Help us preserve and share the Story of Illinois! Donate Today!

Our museum shop offers a range of items that allow visitors to shop with purpose!