WHAT: The University of Illinois Springfield will hold three Lunch & Learn Series events this fall. The series is presented by the UIS Alumni SAGE Society and the Illinois State Historical Society.

WHERE: Illini Country Club, 1601 Illini Rd., Springfield

Oct. 10 – “The Marvelous Land of Oz!”
Doors open at 11 a.m., lunch at 11:30 a.m., program at Noon
Mark W. Sorensen, past president Illinois State Historical Society, will discuss the 125th anniversary of “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz,” which spawned the classic 14-book series. Prolific author L. Frank Baum spent much of his life in Illinois, writing and producing children’s books and literature. He penned 41 novels, 83 short stories, over 200 poems and at least 42 scripts. The 1939 adaptation of the first Oz book became a landmark of 20th-century cinema. 

Nov. 12 – “Pastel Artistry”
Doors open at 11 a.m., lunch at 11:30 a.m., program at Noon
Award-winning artist Tracey Maras is best known for her realistic pastel paintings of the natural world around us and life interacting with it. Her paintings convey a sense of serenity and connectedness. Working with the pure pigment of pastels, her pieces convey subtle vibrancy that capture moments and sensations that instill a sense of peace.

Dec. 4 – “Illinois Rejects Slavery”
Doors open at 11 a.m., lunch at 11:30 a.m., program at Noon
In the summer of 1824, the Illinois General Assembly was on the brink of changing the state constitution to permit slavery outright. Though the Northwest Ordinance designated Illinois a “free territory" in 1787, proslavery sentiment in southern Illinois was strong and challenged the efforts to keep the new state of Illinois free. Caroline Kisiel, Illinois Humanities Road Scholar, will present on the people and events that culminated in Illinois remaining a free state.

The in-person events cost $40 a person and include a hot buffet lunch. Virtual viewing options are also available. Participants can register online. Registration closes one week before the event.