Documentaries are a wonderful resource that teach us about topics we may not have thought about otherwise — from crime, food production, scientific discoveries and even tiger kings. Documentaries also promote the sharing of knowledge across the world. One such documentary, “Mussel Grubbing,” was filmed here in Illinois and has received international attention. Director Jason Lindsey won the Best Documentary award for his film at the World Water Film Festival in New York.

Lindsey’s film examines research being done in the upper Sangamon River on freshwater mussels. “Mussel Grubbing” follows the story of a citizen scientist’s discovery of finding a diverse collection of healthy mussels in the Sangamon River basin. The mussels contribute to a healthier river, which in turn improves the well-being of the community. The film’s purpose is to highlight how everyday people in Illinois are supporting science in a way that is vital to the welfare of their local environment. The filmmakers wanted to show that community science projects are for everyone, regardless of their experience with science.

Lindsey’s film was one of only two to open the United Nations 2023 Water Conference. This documentary showcases the importance of not only local art, but also local engagement in science. It combines the beauty of art and filmmaking with the magnificence and practicality of science. We often think of the arts and of science as two separate entities; however Lindsey masterfully combines both in his award-winning documentary.

To learn more about “Mussel Grubbing,” visit the director’s website here.

In the heart of the Illinois prairie lies a Swedish settlement that has been preserved as a historic village. Bishop Hill, formed 177 years ago, is still a living, fully functional village with a mayor and fire department. With a population of around 130 people, it remains one of the smallest towns in Henry County. It is the home of the Bishop Hill State Historic Site, a park operated by the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency.

The Bishop Hill area became a hub for thousands of Swedish immigrants who eventually settled much of the Midwest. The area was founded by Eric Janson, who was known as the Wheat Flour Messiah. Janson, after being jailed for his beliefs, fled Sweden with more than 1,000 followers in 1846 in hopes of avoiding religious prosecution.

Many of the colony buildings were dilapidated at the turn of the 20th century. The Old Settlers, the Bishop Hill Heritage Association and the State of Illinois decided to help save the buildings that were still standing from the original colony. Throughout the 1970s, restoration and preservation began with aid from the Swedish Royal family. Many of the descendants of the original settlers and thousands of volunteers began the hard work to restore the site, and eventually Bishop Hill became a thriving community once more.

Currently there are a number of businesses including a bakery, restaurants, pottery stores and a few gift shops. At the center of the town remains Bishop Hill State Historic Site, the original church built by Janson and his followers, where volunteers hold guided tours throughout the village. There are currently four buildings on the National Register of Historic Places. With tens of thousands of visitors every year from all 50 states, Sweden and other Scandinavian countries, Bishop Hill remains a site to see in Illinois.

Man’s best friend, who loyally protects you, is protected by our state! The Animal Legal Defense Fund, the nation’s foremost legal advocacy organization for animals, published the annual U.S. Annual Protection Laws Ranking Report, which ranked Illinois as the second best state for animal protection laws. Dogs, cats, guinea pigs and other adorable companions will find themselves sheltered in Illinois.

Illinois received its second-place ranking due to its numerous animal safeguards. One such law requires all juveniles and animal hoarders convicted of animal cruelty to undergo a psychological evaluation and any necessary treatment. In addition, animals may be included in domestic violence protection orders. Another protection law requires veterinarians and social service professionals to report suspected animal cruelty. Illinois has become a leader when it comes to animal protections.

These laws will have all of your pets’ tails wagging! We want our furry friends to feel safe in our homes and our state, and Illinois achieves just that. Read the full report from the Animal Legal Defense Fund.

Chicagoan Dr. Carla Knorowski was an avid Paris traveler and fell in love with the city as a young woman. She has traveled to nearly every city named Paris to connect her love for the city around the world, amounting to nearly 89,000 miles of flying over the years. In her efforts, she has been hailed as a nonprofit leader and scholar and advocate for culture, education and the arts. However, five years ago marked an absolute shock to her and everyone across the globe.

In April 2019 when the Notre Dame Cathedral had endured fifteen hours under flames, Knorowski was in completely devastated. Being a prolific fundraiser, she put together an event to raise awareness and restoration funds for the iconic cathedral to expedite the construction and ensure that it would keep its classic French Gothic architecture in place. With the success of the event she raised a total of $500,000.

The event she created was a global virtual fundraising event whose participants included cellist Yo-Yo Ma, actress Glenn Close, and Notre-Dame Cathedral’s titular organist Olivier Latry as well as others. Her efforts toward its reconstruction promoted her to the rank of Officer in its National Order of Merit (L’Ordre National Du Mérite) by the Republic of France, which was officially signed by President Emmanuel Macron. It is the second national Order of France, the first being the Legion of Honor. The Order recognizes distinguished civil or military service. Annually it is awarded to approximately 3,000 French citizens and 300 citizens of foreign nations.

The construction and restoration of Notre Dame was in the process of being renovated as it was nearing 850 years old. Luckily, many sculptures had been placed in an alternate location before the fire had begun and a lot of the stained glass was saved with the firefighters help. Thanks to Knorowski and her love for Paris and French culture, Notre Dame is closer to its 2024 reopening date in time for the next Olympics.

“Progress is made by trial and failure; the failures are generally a hundred times more numerous than the successes, yet they are usually left unchronicled,” said scientist William Ramsay. However, when it comes to the science and art of surgery, the trial and error is an important part of its history. It is amazing how doctors and surgeons can easily save lives today, especially for procedures that would have been life threatening a century ago. However, someone had to first learn about the human body and how to fix what they could not see. The International Museum of Surgical Science in Chicago is the only museum in all of North America to show the history of how modern surgery came to be, with both failures and accomplishments.

The Mission of the Museum is to enrich people’s lives by enhancing their appreciation and understanding of the history, development, and advances in surgery and related subjects in health and medicine. Dr. Max Thorek founded the International College of Surgeons in 1935, and in 1950 his efforts led to the museum’s collection growing. The Museum opened to the public on September 9, 1954. Today the museum’s four floors hold many marvels from the art of healing.

Some people think of surgeons as miracle workers. Illinois has the only museum in all of North America that chronicles how those miracles came to be. To plan your visit to the museum visit here.