Events
View our listing of upcoming events and programs. Looking for past events? Find them on our list of past events. To view recordings of past events, or to tune into a livestream, visit our YouTube channel.
Every Tuesday at 5:00pm
Old Time Music (Jam Session)
Join the Old Time Music group every Tuesday from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Museum. A laid back and diverse group of musicia...
Courtyard Urbanism: Building Cities for Families Keynote & Downtown Bloomington Charrette
Join Strong Towns BloNo (STB) in the Museum's historic courtroom on Thursday, July 23, for a design charette and keynote pres...
The ISU Quad: Gateway to America 250 and the Wider World
Join the McLean County Museum of History for a fun and fact-filled stroll through Illinois State University's Quad on Saturda...
History Reads Book Club: The Promise of the Grand Canyon
All are welcome to join the Museum and Bloomington Public Library on Tuesday, August 4 at 7:00 p.m. for the third History Reads Bo...
Knit In at Normal Public Library
Calling ALL Knitters and Crocheters, grab your needles and hooks, some yarn, a friend or two, and come and knit for a bit!The thir...
A History of Bicycling in Illinois with Christopher Sweet
The Museum, in partnership with Bloomington Public Library, will host Illinois Wesleyan University professor Chris Sweet for a pro...
SOLD OUT- Get Your Farm History Kicks Along Route 66 Bus Trip
While most drivers enjoy the convenience and speed of Interstate 55 from Bloomington to Chenoa, others prefer taking a leisurely t...
John Wesley Powell: Bloomington-Normal to the Arid Lands with Bill Kemp
John Wesley Powell: Bloomington-Normal to the Arid Lands or the American Dream and the Exploitation of the West and Its PeoplesJoi...
Downtown Bloomington Architecture Tour
Many of the buildings in downtown Bloomington are 100-plus years old, and each has a story to tell, if you know where to look.Join...
Looking for Lincoln in Downtown Bloomington - a Walking Tour with Norris Porter
Bloomington is one of the richest communities for Abraham Lincoln-related sites—some of which look much as they did during his lif...
Closed for Labor Day
The Museum and our Cruisin' with Lincoln on 66 Visitors Center & Gift Shop will be closed in observance of Labor Day. We ...
Looking for Lincoln in Downtown Bloomington - a Walking Tour with Norris Porter
Bloomington is one of the richest communities for Abraham Lincoln-related sites—some of which look much as they did during his lif...
A View of the Top: Inside the Museum Dome tour
One of the Museum’s most sought-after experiences is finally being made available to the public. For the first time ever, visitors...
Democracy Dialogues: "All Men Are Created Equal"
In collaboration with our community partners, we’re hosting five events to facilitate intergenerational dialogue about American De...
Día de Muertos Celebration
Celebrate Día de Muertos with us on Saturday, October 31, 2026, from 3-7 p.m. All ages are welcome to this free event featuring ar...
History Reads Book Club: Onward to Chicago-Freedom Seekers and the Underground Railroad
All are welcome to join the Museum and Bloomington Public Library on Wednesday, November 4 at 7:00 p.m. for the final History Read...
Knit In at the Museum
Calling ALL Knitters and Crocheters, grab your needles and hooks, some yarn, a friend or two, and come and knit for a bit!The fina...
Democracy Dialogues: "Consent of the Governed"
In collaboration with our community partners, we’re hosting five events to facilitate intergenerational dialogue about American De...
Closed for Thanksgiving
The Museum and its Cruisin' with Lincoln on 66 Visitors Center & Gift Shop will be closed in observance of Thanksgiving. ...