Illinois Wants Residents’ Stories To Represent State In U.S. Library Of Congress

How seriously are we going to take this assignment?

Unless you've been living under a rock, you know America is turning 250 this year. To help highlight this milestone, Illinois Voices 250 is going on.

Basically, it's recorded stories from folks across the state about pretty much whatever you have say about your life, the future, etc. You can talk about selling your soul for a tank of gas at this monumental point in time, if you'd like.

The project's website gives these ideas for stories:

• 'Make the most of this moment' ('reflect on the past, think about the future, and think about what’s important')
• 'Honor someone you care about' ('the things that matter most with someone who has played an important role in your life')
• 'Build understanding' ('Your recording will help other people better understand the wide variety of experiences and ideas')
• 'Create a legacy for the future' ('You’ll be part of history. Not just today, but for generations to come')

The project is looking to create kind of a time capsule from all of Illinois' 102 counties (even the 33 counties that wanted to secede).

The recorded stories will be preserved in the U.S. Library of Congress.

J.B. Pritzker said of the project:

The story of America isn’t complete without the story of Illinois. Our people's diverse perspectives, reflections and personal narratives deserve to be shared and preserved for generations to come. I encourage Illinoisans of all backgrounds to tell their unique stories as the nation marks 250 years of history and resilience.

You could tell the younger generations that 5 years ago, we were throwing hands in the grocery stores over toilet paper. Or that traffic around Chicago can get scary. Or that it's the spring O'Hare has been a zoo with the TSA agent shortage.

All important aspects to your stories.