Normal, IL – Community members in Normal and across McLean County are invited to take part in a public discussion Tuesday evening as Illinois State University hosts the kickoff of a new “Democracy Dialogues” series.
According to Illinois State University, U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin and former U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood will appear at 7 p.m. Tuesday, February 17, at Braden Auditorium on the ISU campus. The free, all-ages event is designed to encourage reflection and conversation as the nation approaches the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
Organizers say the series aims to bring together community leaders and residents to explore both the history and future of American democracy. The event is hosted by the McLean County Museum of History, Illinois State University, WGLT and the Dirksen Congressional Center.
Braden Auditorium is located on the Illinois State campus in Normal, part of the Bloomington-Normal metro area in central Illinois. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early, as seating may be limited.
The discussion is expected to focus on civic engagement, democratic institutions and the role communities play in shaping public life ahead of the 2026 semiquincentennial.
More information about the event is available through Illinois State University’s official website.
