Discover the fascinating story of how northern Illinois transformed from a largely unsettled frontier into the state’s most populous region. Bounded by the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers, Lake Michigan and Wisconsin, this area remained sparsely settled for decades after Illinois achieved statehood in 1818. Why did it take so long for settlers to arrive? Who were the pioneers who ventured here, and what challenges did they face? Explore the people, places, and events that shaped the early development of northern Illinois with Lorraine McCallister, President of the Reddick Mansion in Ottawa, Illinois. Through stories and historical insight, gain a deeper understanding of the region shared by today’s participating community college audience.
Instructor: Lorraine McCallister, Reddick Mansion, Ottawa, Illinois
Lorraine?McCallister, raised and educated in Ottawa, received her degree in education at Illinois State University in 1974. She then spent 34 years in Prophetstown, Illinois, teaching 8th grade language arts. Sharing her love of history with her students, she sponsored trips for them to Gettysburg, PA, Washington, D.C., and Williamsburg, VA for 21 years. Upon her retirement in 2012, she moved back to Ottawa, where in 2013, she started volunteering as a docent at the Reddick Mansion, which is located across the street from the site of the first Lincoln-Douglas Debate.? ?After accepting a position on the Reddick Mansion Association’s Board of Directors in 2014, she became president of the RMA in 2016, a position she still holds today. During her tenure, the RMA purchased the Mansion from the City of Ottawa and completed a $1.4 million exterior restoration. Lorraine?especially enjoys sharing the history of Ottawa and the Reddick story to the Mansion’s many visitors. She also serves on the City of Ottawa's Historic Preservation Commission and has conducted programs for various service clubs, the Ottawa Historical and Scouting Heritage Museum, and the Starved Rock Civil War Round Table.
All online live classroom courses meet via Zoom. A meeting invite will be emailed within 24 hours before class begins. Participants need access to a computer with high-speed internet. A webcam and microphone are recommended but are not required.
Learn for Life! Illinois Valley Community College has joined an initiative with College of DuPage, Harper College, McHenry County College and Rock Valley College to offer a series of enrichment courses. These classes are designed for students of any age to share the strengths of each Lifelong Learning program and bring new exciting courses to participants throughout the Northern Illinois region.
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