Record your Illinois stories for America 250

Zoom out: Each state is marking the occasion with multiple programs, including Illinois' passport that guides residents to dozens of spots "that make good on the ideals of the Declaration of Independence," according to the local America 250 commission chair.

Zoom in: Folks can record their stories solo or as a conversation remotely through this StoryCorps link or during community recording days to be held around the state through the summer.

State of play: The archive currently features one convo between two Chicago friends who share memories of childhood, friendship and history.

• But expect many more.

Personal plan: I want to record one with my kids that chronicles their great-great-grandpa Joe Eng's arrival in Quincy, Illinois, around 1905 and goes all the way up to today.