Join storytellers, musicians, and historic reenactors to explore a variety of themes that relate to Illinois past and present.

Each week a new video and story will be added during the Fall!

Crawdads!

Join storyteller Mike Anderson as he teaches us about crawdads. Discover how many names they have, where to find them, and what they eat. Learn a fun song about them along the way!

Cardinals: The State Bird

Sing along with music therapist Rachel Rambach while she tells us about our state bird, the cardinal! Enjoy an original song from Rachel while you learn what they eat, where they can be found, and how they became our state bird.

Steamboat Comin'

Hitch a ride on this fast-paced story of a steamboat docking in Henry, Illinois, with storyteller Brian "Fox" Ellis! Find out what a day in Henry was like as people rushed about conducting business and enjoying their day.

Goosita the Goose

Hear a story from singer Amy Benton about a goose who loves to do all kinds of activities! Sing a fun song then read along with Goosita the Goose. Follow Goosita through her favorite activities with her friends!

Mountain Dulcimer and Banjo

Join storyteller Mike Anderson as he tells us the history of instruments played on the Illinois prairie! Learn some folk songs and hear some tunes played on the mountain dulcimer and banjo!

The Web at Dragonfly Pond

Starting with the pesky mosquito all the way up to a cunning fisherman, a day at Dragonfly Pond can teach more than you expect. Learn how the world is connected with this tale from a fishing pond storyteller Brian "Fox" Ellis!

Tell Me a Story!

Sing along with Amy Benton about writing stories of your own! Whether you read a story aloud with silly voices or your own, reading stories together is a great way to spend a day.

Pumpkins Capital!

Sing along with music therapist Rachel Rambach as she tells us about the holiday's greatest gourd, the pumpkin! Enjoy two original songs from Rachel while you learn all about Illinois's role in producing this Halloween feature.