National Illinois Day

National Illinois Day is celebrated on Dec.7 each year. It is established to commemorate the history, art and culture of the state.

As the twenty-first state to join the Union, Illinois' distinct politics, industry, agriculture and population creates an intriguing contrast to other states.

Here are ten facts about Illinois that shows its greatness:

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Free December Museum Dates in Illinois

As the holidays are nearing us, many museums in the state are offering free admission dates throughout the month of December! If you are looking free, family fun activities check out the locations and dates below:

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Illinois Innovation: The First Blood Bank

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• Blood bank

Did you know that Illinois is home to the first blood bank in the world?

Dr. Bernard Fantus was known for his work to improve and modernize medicine. As patients who needed a blood transfusion had to scramble to find a donor for a person-to-person transfusion, he knew there had to be a better way.

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Lincoln made Thanksgiving a holiday

On Oct. 3, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln issued a proclamation that made Thanksgiving a national holiday.

“I do therefore invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next, as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens,” the proclamation stated.

At that time, Lincoln saw the proclamation as a peaceful interlude amid the Civil War.

Lincoln’s announcement marked the culmination of a multi-decade campaign by Sarah Josepha Hale to make Thanksgiving into a national holiday. After Lincoln issued his proclamation, states began celebrating Thanksgiving on the same date, thus giving Lincoln the credit for nationalizing the holiday.

Now, many years later, people across the nation look forward to gathering with their loved ones and spreading gratitude thanks to Lincoln.