Best of: Growing up Gen X

The AIDS Crisis, John Hughes, the War on Drugs, Barbies, "Just Say No," Madonna, Reaganomics, "The Cosby Show"...  It might sound a bit like a familiar Billy Joel song, but these were all cultural touchstones for lots of people who were born between 1965 and 1980: Generation X. They're sometimes known as the "Forgotten Generation," but the Illinois State Museum is planning to give Gen X their day in the sun with an exhibit that opens this fall. 

The 21st was joined by the museum's curator of history to talk about growing up in the '70s, '80s and '90s, designing the exhibit, and more.

A version of this segment was originally broadcast Jan. 19, 2022.

GUEST: 

Erika Holst

Curator of History, Illinois State Museum Springfield Campus

The triple-pierced ears. The Swatch watch. The riding boots. Patrice rocked Gen X style, and this photo is proof. We want your Gen X photos! The more 70s-80s-90s-tastic, the better! We’ll display them in our upcoming exhibit Growing Up X. Submit at https://t.co/Af7CXtAWC8. pic.twitter.com/1jHaXMbaBO

— Illinois State Museum (@ILStateMuseum) January 6, 2022

Prepared for web by Owen Henderson

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