SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — A new website created for Illinois’ bicentennial celebration tells the story of Illinois from well before it became a state 200 years ago.

The Illinois State Museum created the website , which features objects from its collection as well as from other museums. They include ancient fossils, a ceremonial war club used by the Potawatomi Indians and a miner’s hat likely used by workers in a Sangamon County coal mine.Illinois Association of Museums President Karen Everingham says “each item has its own story to tell.”

Some items will be featured in an exhibition that opens June 30 at the museum in Springfield.