Elijah P. Lovejoy Collection

Martyr to Abolition and Freedom of the Press. The Legacy of Elijah P. Lovejoy

The Mythic Mississippi Project, a collaboration between the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign (Dr. Helaine Silverman) and the University of Illinois, Springfield (Dr. Devin Hunter), produced a short documentary film on the life and legacy of Elijah P. Lovejoy. The film, created by Route 3 Films, features Genealogy & Local History Library Manager Lacy McDonald and showcases many books and artifacts related to Lovejoy in the Hayner Library collection. The film premiered on Lovejoy Day, November 9, 2021.

First to Fall: Elijah Lovejoy and the Fight for a Free Press in the Age of Slavery

Lecture by author Ken Ellingwood on November 10, 2021

“[First to Fall is] a genetic test for modern journalism, an exploration of foundational American principles—the power of individuals, the fearless defense of a free press, and the deeper values of equality, justice and truth-telling at any cost.” —Nancy Gibbs, former Editor in Chief of TIME.