Chicago, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – On the 207th birthday of the State of Illinois Wednesday, state leaders outlined plans on how to celebrate the country’s 250th next year.

The state is planning a number of art, tourism, and volunteer activities, among others, helping to tell Illinois’ role in the building of America.  A press conference was held at Chicago’s Navy Pier to outline how the celebrations will take place.

“This is going to be an accessible, inclusive, statewide effort,” said Gabrielle Lyon, Illinois Humanities Executive Director and chair of the Illinois America 250 Commission.  “We’re really focused on uplifting local stories and celebrations, and showcasing the way Illinoisans have, even before we became a state and right up to now, made good on the ideals of the Declaration of Independence.”

Lyon says speaking of, pocket copies of the Declaration of Independence will be made available to classrooms and libraries.

“Here in Illinois, history belongs to all of us,” said Lyon.  “We are all making our history together, and democracy is what we the people create.  Illinois isn’t just participating in America’s 250th birthday.  We are helping to shape it.”

Lyon says Illinois Humanities — of which she’s executive director — will start recoding conversations online in March to get people’s reflections on the anniversary and the state’s role in shaping history.

A Springfield resident says the 207th year of existence for Illinois, and the 250th birthday of America, aren’t the only things worth celebrating.

“All 102 counties in Illinois have a story, and they’re worth exploring,” said Catie Sheehan, Deputy Director, Illinois Office of Tourism, now a part of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.  “From the stone walls of Fort de Chartres, to the sweeping views along the Great River Road, and the natural beauty of the Shawnee National Forest, history just isn’t in the textbooks.  It’s right here at home in Illinois.”

At least 68 state counties, 93 communities, and more than 160 individual organizations are involved in some sort of way to celebrate the big two-five-oh.

CLICK HERE for more information about how the state will be celebrating.