You Can Help Select the 'Illinois Top 200'

We, as Illinoisans, get to take part in our state’s 200th birthday by choosing the 200 greatest people, places and things in state history in online voting coordinated by the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, The State Journal-Register and the Illinois Bicentennial Commission.

Every two weeks through the rest of 2018, the public will get to select the best movies, most inspiring leaders, greatest books, top businesses and much more. By the state’s 200th birthday on Dec. 3rd, voters will have chosen 10 favorites in 20 different categories--which will make up the Illinois Top 200.

Voting in the first category, Top Movies, opens today, Feb. 19. Results will be announced March 5, when voting starts for the next category, Top Businesses. To vote, visit IllinoisTop200.com.

"From art to science to civil rights, Illinois has made huge contributions to the world. We think it’s time to celebrate those contributions,” said Alan Lowe, executive director of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. “The presidential library is also the official state historical library, so we’re excited about helping people explore the past, share their opinions and hear the views of other Illinoisans.”

Here's a look at what's being called a "tentative list" of categories that we get to weigh in on:

Movies
Businesses
Inventions and innovations
Buildings
Historic Sites
Scenic spots
Museums
Books
Writers
Worst tragedies
Musicians
Artists and architects
Actors
Entertainers
Scientists
Athletes
Groundbreaking women
Minority trailblazers
Leaders
Greatest moments