The Mythic Mississippi: I-Heritage as Public Engagement and Economic and Social Development, $180,000

This public engagement project, led by Helaine Silverman, professor of anthropology, and Devin Hunter from the Springfield campus, will help a selection of downstate Illinois communities to identify points of cultural heritage as a means of creating themed tourism routes along and near the Mississippi River. Faculty and students from the two campuses will conduct research collaboratively with local governmental, business and educational partners aimed at achieving sustainable strategies and effective policies that will foster local economic and social development. A website and high school-level teaching modules also will be produced. The project will culminate with a national symposium on the use of heritage tourism for community development.

To view more, visit the website: https://las.illinois.edu/news/2019-02-06/u-i-system-invests-nearly-2-million-arts-and-humanities