Symbols of History
Symbols can have many different functions, from raising awareness to symbolizing goals and visions for the future to commemorating events. Likewise, slogans can represent many different things, including image, values, and clear stances on issues. When it comes to celebrating big milestones such as centennials, organizations and places, one must choose a symbol and slogan that represents them well.
In A Question of History, there are many centennial objects, including a centennial coin and sesquicentennial stickers from the state of Illinois. In 1977, the Illinois State Museum was preparing to celebrate its centennial and had to choose a symbol to do so. The governor of Illinois declared Museum Week in the State of Illinois and the ISM chose its symbols. In the 1970s, the Illinois State Museum was involved in many prominent archaeological digs, unearthing the mammoth that became the symbol for the museum, while the slogan of “Museums Preserve, Preserve Museums,” was a statement about how important museums are. Commemorating history can bring many symbols to mind, and the ISM chose specific symbols when it came to celebrating its centennial, symbols that it wanted people to remember when they thought of the ISM.
