WHAT: The University of Illinois Springfield History Department invites members of the public to bring memories, photos, souvenirs and memorabilia from their travels both recent and long-ago to “The Great Road Trip” History Harvest. UIS students will photograph or scan the items for inclusion in an online digital archive and exhibit. Participation in the event is free.

WHEN: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 15, 2022

WHERE: Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., Springfield

DETAILS: The public is invited to bring materials from their travels both near and far. UIS students will collect information about the items people bring, while scanning or photographing them, for inclusion in the digital archive.

This year’s theme was influenced by an increased appreciation for the value of travel and tourism gained while dealing with isolation and restrictions during the height of the pandemic. It represents the desire to get back on the road and to see new things. The theme is also an acknowledgment of how important travel and tourism is to Springfield’s identity and economy.

Students from UIS Associate Professor of History Devin Hunter’s undergraduate public history class and UIS Associate Professor of History Kenneth Owen’s graduate history and digital media class will lead the effort to digitize items for the online digital exhibit.

UIS held its inaugural History Harvest in 2016, with a theme centered on political and elections history. The second UIS History Harvest, in 2018, used the theme of “Being Illinoisan,” in honor of the state's bicentennial.

For more information on this year’s History Harvest and to view the digital archives from past years, visit the History Harvest website. Questions about the event can be directed to Devin Hunter at 217-206-7432 or dhunte2@uis.edu.