County Museum's Newest Display to be Dedicated Sunday

The Effingham County Museum will dedicate its newest display this Sunday; an exhibit focusing on the writing of Illinois' sixth State Constitution.

116 people were selected as delegates to the conference, including Effingham attorney James Parker. Parker was elected along with Salem's Dwight Fredrich, as representatives from what was then the 50th Legislative District.

Local historian Delaine Donaldson remembers that the convention was then popularly known as "Con Con". The session convened on December 8, 1969 and concluded on September 3, 1970. The constitution replaced one that was 100 years old.

The Parker family has donated the desk at which delegate James Parker sat during the convention, along with related photos, papers, and bound volumes related to his time as a delegate. The display is located on the Museum's second floor. The bound volumes contain the verbatim transcripts of the proceedings.

The dedication of the new display will begin at 2pm Sunday, and the public is invited to attend.