200 North Main St | Bloomington, Illinois | 309-827-0428
200 North Main St | Bloomington, Illinois | 309-827-0428
The McLean County Museum of History has, once again, received the highest national recognition afforded the nation's museums: accreditation by the American Alliance of Museums.
Of the nation's estimated 33,000 museums, just over 1,080, or 3.3%, are accredited. Alliance Accreditation recognizes museums for their commitment to excellence, accountability, high professional standards, and continued institutional improvement.
Executive Director Julie Emig is out on medical leave from the McLean County Museum of History until December. Her prognosis is exceptionally good with a full recovery expected. While Julie is managing her health, the Board has named Development Director Norris Porter as the Acting Executive Director. "I have complete confidence in Porter’s leadership,” said Emig. “The Museum is in great hands.” Please direct any questions you have about the Museum to nporter@mchistory.org.
After immortalizing the legacy of 336 McLean County WWII veterans by placing bronze tablets etched with their names atop a once fading memorial on the East side of the Museum Square, the McLean County Museum of History is set to host a memorial rededication ceremony on Saturday, November 5, 2022 at 1 pm.
...Even more rewarding than any accolades, however, is the nearing opportunity for creators and contributors to break bread together in person for the first time following the immense and continued success of this highly personal—and virtual—project. This private Long Table-inspired event for project contributors will take place in September in alliance with the City of Bloomington's Welcoming America initiative and Welcoming Week celebration.
Two McLean County residents with working class roots continue to make history as major community and philanthropic leaders. Deanna Frautschi and Alan Bedell both impact many lives with their generous souls, nurtured by their love of nature.
“Tikkun Olam,” a phrase in Hebrew meaning to “repair the world,” sums up George and Myra Gordon’s many community contributions, including education, recycling, and planting trees.
The McLean County Museum of History (MCMH) received an award for Superior Achievement in Community Partnerships by the Illinois Association for Museums (IAM) in recognition of their groundbreaking series, “Breaking Bread in McLean County.” This 10-part online program highlighted the shared and disparate experiences of local migrant communities from the Kickapoo to Congolese Americans, emphasizing shared elements including food, family, tradition, trauma, and exchange to promote a deeper understanding of the ways McLean County has treated its past and present im/migrant communities.
Treasures Under the Dome will be a semi-regular video series t that showcases one of the objects, papers, or images in our collections & archives that is not routinely on display at the Museum.
The McLean County Museum of History is the recipient of two digitization grants to expand its efforts in making the Pantagraph Negatives Collection more readily available to the public online... but we need your help!
During their over five decades in Bloomington-Normal, Bob and Marilyn Sutherland participated in many ways to help make this a better community for everyone, particularly for those who often cannot make their own voices heard.
Barbara served for several years as president of the Normal Public Library Board and became the first president of the Friends of the Normal Public Library.
Jerry and Carole’s shared passion for the arts is well-known in the community. Carole says, “(Art) helps to define the quality of life. Even if you are well able to put food on the table, culture is needed for the soul, mind, and spirit.”