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Illinois 4-H is proud of the rich history of 4-H and our 4-H alums near and far. If you were a member of the Illinois 4-H program, you are one of 25 million Americans who share a unique bond. Illinois 4-H launched a new initiative for an Illinois 4-H History project and is seeking to reconnect with Illinois 4-H Alumni to hear their 4-H stories and share their 4-H memories

Illinois 4-H has a strong history dating back to 1899 with the start of W.B. Otwell forming the first boy's corn club in Macoupin County, Illinois, followed by A.B. Graham, founding the first 4-H club of boys and girls with officers and projects, and record requirements in Clark County, Ohio in 1902. Illinois then established the first 4-H club, Union Pig Club, organized by C.C. Coots, in Macoupin County in 1915.

4-H has impacted each of us differently, during a different time of life, and has provided skills or memories that have lasted a lifetime. We are interested in gathering your memories, photos, or photos of memorabilia of those special moments in which 4-H impacted you. 

Share Your 4-H Story

The Illinois 4-H Alumni Association will seek opportunities for storytelling, video history, and developing a new history website. “Illinois 4-H has a well-founded history and each generation may have a different perspective of 4-H but the values and goals remain the same to build our next generation of capable young adults, we look forward to hearing 4-H alumni stories and the impact 4-H has made on their lives”, said Tina Veal, 4-H Alumni & Engagement Manager.

We hope you will reconnect with Illinois 4-H and register as 4-H alumni to keep up to date on Illinois 4-H, learn about 4-H alum opportunities to engage as volunteers, or through networking opportunities and receive a quarterly newsletter. “We have thousands of 4-H alumni from past decades we hope will register and reconnect with us. National 4-H week is a great time for a call to action”, said Veal.

Register as a 4-H Alum

The Illinois 4-H Alumni Association seeks to create a lifelong connection with our 4-H alums through free membership in the Illinois 4-H Alumni Association. The Illinois 4-H Alumni Association was established in 2016 and sought members to build a network of 4-H alums throughout Illinois and beyond.

The mission of the Illinois 4-H Alumni Association is to create a lifelong, statewide community of 4-H alumni and provide increased opportunities for meaningful engagement to increase awareness, pride, participation, volunteerism, and philanthropic commitment to Illinois 4-H.

Seeking Illinois 4-H History!
We are seeking photos of special memories, mementos, and awards of each decade to share on a new Illinois 4-H History website to be developed.  Contact Tina Veal, Illinois 4-H Alumni & Constituent Engagement Manager

For information on joining 4-H or the Illinois 4-H Alumni Association, contact your local Extension office or Tina Veal, 4-H Alumni & Engagement Manager, at the Illinois State 4-H office at vealt@illinois.edu.