Welcome to the Illinois State Society

Dear Fellow Illinoisan,

It is with honor and respect for the 155-year tradition of this organization that I serve as president of the Illinois State Society this year (2009 - 2010).

The Illinois State Society was founded as the Illinois Democratic Club of Washington, DC, in 1854. It became the Illinois Republican Club under President Abraham Lincoln. And after tiring of changing the name, the Illinois State Society was born. We are one of the oldest state societies, having been among the founding members of the National Conference of State Societies.

We are all proud Illinoisans! Nearly 1,000 ISS members who live and work in
the greater Washington, DC area (or even back in Illinois) join together to celebrate our heritage, share our experiences, cheer on our sports teams, and expand our personal and professional networks. We help raise money for charities; initiate seminars, receptions, and sporting events; provide scholarships to interns; and even sponsor a Cherry Blossom Festival Princess each year.

As a native of Illinois, I am especially honored to be your President this year, as we have a President in the White House who also hails from Illinois.

Finally, I would like to extend a sincere invitation to new friends to join the Illinois State Society. If you live in the Washington, DC area or visit DC often for business or pleasure, please consider joining. This Web site holds much information on our activities and how to join the Society. You also can contact our Hotline at 703-461-3610.

Thank you for visiting the ISS Web site, and we hope you will return often.

Sincerely yours,