Erika Holst
As a public historian, Erika Holst has two professional loves: doing historical research, and then sharing and discussing those discoveries with others.
Being a Road Scholar has allowed her to share her passions with audiences throughout Illinois. She enjoys sharing new information with people, helping them to consider things in a new way, seeing people make connections between historical events and objects and their own experiences and histories, and having discussions where new insights are gained by all involved. Her conversational and approachable presentation style is well received.
Presentation 1 of 2
Available
Illinois History in 10 Objects
Historical objects enrich our understanding of and connection to the past. In commemoration of America 250, this program takes a look at Illinois history through the lens of ten objects from the collection of the Illinois State Museum. Each of these objects sheds light on the experiences of the people who used them against the backdrop of different times in Illinois history.
Time periods and themes covered include the first Indigenous peoples of Illinois; Illinois at the time of the Revolutionary War; Euro-American immigration; the Civil War, immigration; forgotten Illinoisans; the Great Depression; and the Vietnam War.
Attendees are encouraged to bring an object (or photo of an object) of personal or family significance. At the end of the presentation, attendees will be invited to give voice to their own family and personal stories by sharing the stories associated with these objects. This presentation hopes to convey that history is actively being created every day and our own objects and experiences are vital parts of it.
This presentation aligns with the Illinois America 250 Commission's theme “We the People.” This theme invites us to explore ideas of who has been included and who has been left out of the nation’s promise, as well as how people from all backgrounds have shaped and reshaped what it means to be part of “the people.” The Illinois America 250 Commission's goals are to uplift local stories, places, and programs; build pride; and showcase how Illinois brings the ideals of the Declaration of Independence to life.
Audience Recommendations
This presentation is suitable for people of all ages. The presentation can be tailored to student audiences upon request. The talk might be of special interest to Civil War round tables or antiques groups.
Program Logistics
This PowerPoint-illustrated talk is about 50 minutes with an opportunity for audience share-out at the end. The host should provide a a screen and projector. The presentation may be recorded by the host only.
Attendees will be encouraged to bring an object (or photo of an object) of personal or family significance and to share the story of this object.
Presentation 2 of 2
Available
Getting Your Kicks on Route 66: Tales from the Mother Road in Illinois
One hundred years ago, Route 66 was born. The famous federal highway was commissioned in 1926 and stretched 2,400 miles to connect Chicago to California. Over the next century, millions of people traveled that ribbon of highway. Route 66 witnessed depression and war and boom times and decline. The experiences it offered were as diverse and complicated as America itself.
This presentation explores the history of Route 66 and the experiences of everyday people who lived, worked, and traveled along the Mother Road during its heyday. It is informed by a collection of 100 oral histories recently compiled by the Illinois State Museum. Attendees will hear in travelers’ own words what it was like to eat, sleep, and drive Route 66 “back in the day.” They will learn about discrimination faced by Black travelers on Route 66 and the strategies they employed to ensure safety and dignity while traveling. And they will learn about the differences in road travel in the mid-20th century vs. today.
At the end of the presentation, attendees will be invited to share their road trip memories and/or memories of Route 66.
This presentation aligns with the Illinois America 250 Commission's theme, the “Power of Place,” that helps us explore how our natural and built environment has shaped the settlement, migration, and the development of our state. The Illinois America 250 Commission's goals are to uplift local stories, places, and programs; build pride; and showcase how Illinois brings the ideals of the Declaration of Independence to life.
Audience Recommendations
This program is recommended for audiences high-school aged and above, although it can be adapted to younger audiences upon request. It may be of special interest to Route 66 enthusiasts, visitors from overseas, and folks who experienced road travel pre-interstate.
Program Logistics
The 50-minute talk will be illustrated by PowerPoint and feature audio clips of Route 66 interviews, with a Q&A session at the end. The host should provide a a screen and projector with audio capability. The presentation may be recorded by the host only.
Audiences are invited to bring their memories of Route 66 or of past road trips to share with the group.
Bio
Based in Springfield, IL
Erika Holst is the Curator of History at the Illinois State Museum. Her most recent exhibition, opening May 2026, is Stories of 66, an exploration of living, working, and traveling on Route 66 in its heyday.
Erika has worked in the public history field for more than 20 years, during which time she has curated more than a dozen exhibitions. She is passionate about sharing stories of people and history through material culture. She holds an MA from the Winterthur Program in Early American Culture through the University of Delaware.
Erika’s publications include Wicked Springfield: Crime, Corruption, and Scandal During the Lincoln Era; Edwards Place: A Springfield Treasure; and Historic Houses of Lincoln’s Illinois, as well as several scholarly and popular articles.
Book this Road Scholar
Follow the steps below to book a presentation.
- Contact Erika to schedule a date and time via email at erika.holst@illinois.gov.
- Once you and Erika have agreed upon a date and time, complete the online Road Scholars Host Organization application.
Contact Us
Nicole Rodriguez
Senior Manager of Community Conversations
speakers@ilhumanities.org
(312) 374-1558
Contact
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Chicago, IL 60603
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