History Happy Hour: The Rise of Oscar Micheaux

Stop by Anvil & Forge Brewing and Distilling after work on Wednesday, April 19, 2023, at 5:30pm to grab a drink and hear an engaging story from ALPLM's Midwest and Illinois Research Historian, Dr. Jacob K. Friefeld, during "History Happy Hour."

Born near Metropolis, Illinois to formerly enslaved parents, Oscar Micheaux’s name is now emblazoned on a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. His journey led him from Southern Illinois to Chicago and then on to homestead in the Great Plains. Join ALPLM Illinois and Midwest Studies Historian Jacob Friefeld and learn how Oscar Micheaux channeled his experience on the plains into a groundbreaking career as a writer and filmmaker. Oscar's story is also profiled in our new exhibit, "Here I Have Lived: Home in Illinois."

This is a free program, but you must be 21 years or older to attend.

History Happy Hour is a partnership program between the Illinois State Museum and the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum.