The 21st Show

Touring notable cemeteries with ‘Mr. Illinois’

Produced by Brian Mackey
 
the gray obelisk and statues atop Lincoln's tomb are visible against a mostly clear blue sky; inset: a white man in a suit and tie poses holding a full-size state flag of Illinois, as though he's about to lead a regiment of accountants into a Civil War battle

Lincoln's Tomb in Oak Ridge Cemetery, Springfield, Illinois (inset: John Kokoris) Lincoln's tomb: Seth Perlman/AP; portrait courtesy John Kokoris

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John Kokoris, who styles himself online as "Mr. Illinois," has been to all corners of the 21st state. He lectures on his travels at public libraries, and his latest itinerary suggests a grand tour of Illinois cemeteries, from the Dickson Mounds to the place that inspired Edgar Lee Masters’ “Spoon River Anthology.”

Guest

John Kokoris
Illinois enthusiast and traveler
🐦 @mr1llinois ✶ 🦋 @mrillinois.bsky.social ✶ 📷 @mr1llinois

Upcoming ‘Great Graves’ lectures

  • 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025 — Chicago Public Library Walker Branch, Morgan Park (register)
  • 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct, 26, 2025 — River Forest Public Library (register)
  • 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 30, 2025 — Ela Area Public Library, Lake Zurich (register)

To book Kokoris for a library lecture, you can contact him through his website or ask your local librarian to get in touch.