The idea for a state organization was formed when a group of collectors got together at the Corn Belt Coin Club Show in 1959 to discuss numismatics in general. The first organizational meeting was held at the Peoria Coin Club Show at the Hotel Pere Marquette in September of 1959. Goals of the new State organization were to further numismatics through knowledge and to promote annual three-day shows around the state by hosting clubs. Officers elected at this first meeting were; President-Ralph Winquist of Rockford; Vice-President-Glenn Murphy of Armington; Treasurer-Bob Okell of Bloomington and Secretary Marjorie Baker of Peoria. Governors elected were: Lester Beatty, Jesse Peters, James Kaczor, Walter Loud, Connie Anderson, Charles Moler and Kenneth Mabray. Dues were set at $1.00 per year.
From this beginning in 1959, shows were held in Peoria, Chicago, Centralia, Mattoon, Springfield, LaSalle, Joliet and Moline in the ensuing years. Some of the shows were quite large as the hobby grew in the 70’s and early 80’s.
Today ILNA’s principal goals are to promote the hobby among the young, serve the membership and hold a three-day show and convention each year. Our association at present has 374 paid members as well as 28 local clubs around the state. One of our programs, through a very capable board is to furnish speakers when requested, to local clubs. A Digest is published three times a year, which contains various articles on numismatics by capable writers, as well as advertising and other pertinent material about numismatics and the association. Show dates and other material for local member clubs are also published. We make programs available for schools, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts upon request. We hold a youth auction at our State show to further the collecting interest of that age group. We have begun giving a free youth seminar scholarship to ANA summer program. Our commitment to the next generation is to hopefully start them collecting at a young age for a life time of enjoyment.
In 1998, ILNA took another step to help numismatics through out Illinois. We have this web page on the World Wide Web. We list information about each member club, where they meet, when and where each local club has their coin show. Some of the key points of each Digest are also posted for everyone to enjoy.
Help from our membership is appreciated at all levels even if it is only paying your dues on time. Donations of numismatic material for various programs would be greatly appreciated. As would monetary donations to fund YN programs. Our board and officers for the most part, receive no pay and it is mainly their dedication that keeps our organization alive. Our main expense is printing and mailing the Digest four times a year. As a member, what do you want to get out of ILNA? It depends, what you are willing to put into your state organization. We are growing, bigger and better each year. Tell your numismatic friends about us.
