Michael G. Matejka is honored for his efforts to educate the citizens of Bloomington about their local history and his ability to stimulate dialogue about important issues facing the community. A Bloomington alderman, community activist, author, and historian, Mr. Matejka has been an active volunteer in numerous humanities projects in Bloomington. In addition to his service as a member of the McLean County Historical Society Board, he has worked on exhibits at the Historical Society, including, "Made in McLean County." He also developed a traveling museum exhibit as part of the Illinois Fire Fighter History Project, the subject of his most recent book. He travels around the state giving lectures as an Illinois Humanities Council "Road Scholar" and has created a series of community discussion groups about race relations in his community.
Select Illinois Humanities Council programs are now available for listening or download at Chicago Public Media (WBEZ) as a part of Chicago Amplified, a web-based audio library of diverse public events recorded throughout the Chicago region.
