The union and working class organization of the Illinois Valley had impacts far beyond the local area. Who were the local leaders who had a state and national impact? What were the national labor struggles gaining attention and how did they resonate locally? Leading this exploration is Mike Matejka, downstate vice-president of the Illinois Labor History Society, Governmental Affairs Director for the Great Plains Laborers District Council and editor of the Grand Prairie Union News.

This event is free and open to the public. For more information, contact the Canal Corridor Association at (815) 223.1851.