Upcoming Programs

Mark your calendars for TWO outstanding programs coming up in April.

Event Details:

Date: Thursday, April 23, 2026

Time: 6:30 p.m.

Location: Pleasant Ridge Christian Church, 12085 Pinkstaff Ln, Lawrenceville, IL (5 miles north of Lawrenceville on Route 1 at the Pinkstaff turnoff)

Speaker: Jacob Skousen of the Illinois State Archaeological Survey

Sponsors: Central Wabash Archaeology Chapter; Lawrence County Historical Society 

From Cahokia to the Wabash Valley: Exploring Mississippian Culture at Otter Pond

Lawrenceville, IL — Dr. Jacob Skousen of the Illinois State Archaeological Survey will present “Exploring Mississippian Culture from Cahokia to Otter Pond” on Thursday, April 23, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. at Pleasant Ridge Christian Church at Pinkstaff near Lawrenceville.

This engaging program examines the relationship between Cahokia Mounds—the largest pre-Columbian city north of Mexico—and the Otter Pond site in Lawrence County. Dr. Skousen will explore whether Otter Pond functioned as a satellite community and what archaeological evidence reveals about its economic, social, and religious connections within the broader Mississippian world (c. 1000–1400 CE).

Focusing on features such as platform mounds, regional culture, and agricultural systems, the presentation highlights how sites like Otter Pond contributed to a vast and interconnected network across the Midwest. These insights help archaeologists better understand how people, goods, and ideas moved throughout the Wabash Valley long before European contact.

The public is invited to attend this free event hosted by the Central Wabash Archaeology Chapter and the Lawrence County Historical Society.

Event Details:

Date: Thursday, April 27, 2026

Time: 7:00 p.m.

Location: Courtroom at Lawrence County Courthouse Lawrenceville IL

Speaker Cheryl Winkles Lawrence Cpounty Circuit Clerk

The Lawrence County Historical Society will present a special program on the recent renovation of the courtroom of the Lawrence County Courthouse on Monday, April 27, 7:00 p.m., at the courthouse in Lawrenceville. Cheryl Winkles, Lawrence County Circuit Clerk will be the guest speaker.  The just-completed project is the first courtroom renovation in sixty years.  Clerk Winkles' program will include a PowerPoint presentation of the renovation process.  The courtroom is located on the second floor of the courthouse.  The courthouse may be entered through the north basement door, with elevator service to the second floor.  The meeting is free and open to the public.