Stories of African American Resilience Under the Illinois Black Codes, 1819 - 1865
2026-06-27 13:00 - 14:30 (America/Chicago)
Presented by Illinois Humanities Road Scholar, Dr. Caroline Kisiel and in partnership with Artspace Southern Illinois.
Although Illinois entered the Union as a free state in 1818, residents had practiced slavery and indentured servitude since the 1700s, laying the foundation for the Illinois Black Codes, enforced from 1819 to 1865. These were severely restrictive laws that controlled nearly every aspect of life for enslaved people, indentured servants, and free Blacks for nearly 50 years.
Scholar Caroline Kisiel will trace the history and share stories of African Americans whose resilience helped change the course of Illinois history.

PNG at MCL Saturday Sessions: Art, Music, & Sound
2026-06-27 13:00 - 16:00
June 27th PNG at MCL Saturday Session: Post Production!
Combine your skills to create your own music video to tell a story!
Throughout June, learn the process of music production, along with creating your own video to accompany it!
Funding for Project Next Generation is provided by the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services to the Secretary of State/Illinois State Library under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA).
Ages 10-18

PNG at MCL: Open Lab
2026-06-29 13:00 - 19:00, 2026-06-30 12:00 - 19:00
Work with any of our equipment & create whatever you can imagine!
Funding for Project Next Generation is provided by the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services to the Secretary of State/Illinois State Library under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA).
Ages 10-18

The Teen Lounge
2026-06-29 16:00 - 19:00
Want a chill place to hang after school? Take advantage of our YA Department to study, craft, game, or read!
We have craft supplies, board games, video games, and more for teens to enjoy and get creative with!
Ages 12-18

Builder's Club with Heartland LUG
2026-06-29 17:30 - 19:00
Build whatever you can imagine with our building blocks or join Heartland LUG in a fun building activity!
Use our building blocks to construct your masterpieces. Large Duplo Blocks will be available for younger children.

For ages 0-12.

Playroom Playdate
2026-06-30 10:00 - 12:00
Meet up with friends and make new ones in our fun playroom!

Freedom to Read: An American 250 Celebration
2026-06-30 16:00 - 18:00
MCL is celebrating 250 years of The Declaration of Independence!
Add a leaf to the Liberty Trees to celebrate independence and the pursuit of happiness. Take a selfie with The Statue of Liberty and enjoy a cookie. Watch an 18th century spinning wheel demonstration with the Black Sheep Fiber Guild and visit with costumed volunteers with the Harrison-Bruce Historical Village.

Children’s: Themed crafts and balloon horse races
YA: Hamilton showing
Main Floor: Teas of the Boston Tea Party and community jigsaw puzzle
