Museum News
104 posts
November 3rd, 2017
CIADA Makes Donation to FiHC
In celebration of the organization's 100th anniversary, the Central Illinois Antique Dealers Association (CIADA) presented a generous donation of $825.00 to be used towards scholarships and expenses for Futures in History Camp 2018. CIADA webmaster and vendor Mary Lynn Edwards presented Muse...
1 mins read by Hannah Johnson
September 15th, 2017
Remembering Those Who Served- World War I Veterans at Evergreen Memorial Cemetery
As was true from coast to coast across the United States, McLean County men from all walks of life answered the call to arms when the country entered the Great War on April 6, 1917. Over 5,000 men served in the military—half of whom volunteered; half of whom were drafted. An additional 675 facult...
3 mins read by Candace Summers
August 28th, 2017
0 mins read by Torii Moré
August 4th, 2017
Museum, Prairie Pride Coalition host trip to Albert Cashier musical in Chicago
BLOOMINGTON - The McLean County Museum of History is currently taking reservations for a special bus trip to see “The Civility of Albert Cashier”, a limited-run musical that focuses on the life of a Central Illinois Civil War soldier who defied contemporary gender roles. A matinee performance, th...
4 mins read by Bill Kemp
July 26th, 2017
Museum to be Beneficiary of Schnucks' Bags 4 My Cause Program
The McLean County Museum of History, a nationally accredited, not-for-profit educational institution, is proud to be a beneficiary of the Schnucks – Bags 4 My Cause program. The program, launched in May 2017, is designed to support local not-for-profits through the sale of reusable bags. During t...
2 mins read by Lauren Lacy
June 11th, 2017
0 mins read by Torii Moré
June 1st, 2017
Young Men's Club Funds Scholarships for Eight Campers
(Pictured L-R: John William Yoder, Hannah Johnson, McLean County Museum of History, Frank Hoffman, President YMC. Photo Credit: Robert E. Handley YMC)Shout out to the Young Men’s Club! On Tuesday, May 30 the YMC, through its Youth Opportunities Foundation, presented the Museum’s Education Program...
3 mins read by Hannah Johnson
April 11th, 2017
Museum announces 2017 History Maker Honorees
The McLean County Museum of History announced today five recipients of the 2017 History Makers award to be presented during the Museum’s sixth annual History Makers Gala on Thursday, June 15 at Illinois State University’s Brown Ballroom in the Bone Student Center.Each year, the History Makers Gala r...
2 mins read by Lauren Lacy
April 11th, 2017
Judy Stone Named 2017 History Makers Honoree
Judy Stone was born in Columbus, Ohio on July 21, 1932. After growing up in Ohio, Judy received her bachelor’s degree in English from DePauw University and attended Garrett Theological Seminary in Evanston to continue her studies. It was in Evanston that Judy met her husband Jerry, who was workin...
9 mins read by Lauren Lacy
April 11th, 2017
Jeanne and Charles Morris Named 2017 History Makers Honorees
The story of how Jeanne and Charles Morris met “usually gets a smile,” according to Charles. The two met as college students working at a summer resort on Squam Lake in New Hampshire. Each September for two years, they went their separate ways - Jeanne returned to Spelman College in Atlanta, GA a...
7 mins read by Lauren Lacy
April 11th, 2017
Craig Hart Named 2017 History Makers Honoree
Craig Hart was born on January 11, 1934 in Streator, Illinois. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and Economics and his Master’s degree in Business from the University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana. While in school, Craig was in the naval training program at the University and upon gra...
8 mins read by Lauren Lacy
April 11th, 2017
Jesse Smart Named 2017 History Makers Honoree
Jesse Smart was born on April 29, 1939 on a small family farm in Pike County, IL. After graduating as class valedictorian at East Pike High School, Jesse went on to study agricultural education at the University of Illinois. It was there, in Urbana-Champaign, that Jesse met his wife Susan. Since ...
9 mins read by Lauren Lacy
January 24th, 2017
Mitsubishi Motors joins Museum's campaign for local education, exhibits
The Mitsubishi Motors U.S.A. Foundation, in partnership with O'Brien Mitsubishi of Normal, presented the McLean County Museum of History today with a $50,000 gift to support the Museum’s free education programs and to help complete ongoing upgrades that are outlined by the Museum’s Extending...
2 mins read by Lauren Lacy
December 25th, 2016
Merry Christmas!
The Board of Directors, staff, volunteers, and members of the McLean County Museum of History hope you are able to “cast dull care away” on this Christmas Day. Oh, and whatever Santa’s drinking here—we want some!...
1 mins read by Bill Kemp
December 5th, 2016
0 mins read by Torii Moré
October 11th, 2016
Questers help restore priceless 1873 ‘bird’s eye’ view of Bloomington
International Questers, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the study, conservation, and preservation of historical objects, donated $1,500 to the McLean County Museum of History for the restoration of a priceless 1873 "bird's eye" view of Bloomington. Half the donation came from...
5 mins read by Bill Kemp
August 29th, 2016
0 mins read by Torii Moré
June 17th, 2016
Museum exceeds $3 million campaign goal
The McLean County Museum of History has surpassed its $3 million campaign goal to fund significant improvements including a new permanent exhibit and Museum-wide technology upgrades.Campaign Co-Chair and Board President Carolyn Yockey made the announcement Thursday night during the Museum’s annua...
2 mins read by Lauren Lacy
May 12th, 2016
Museum Continues Long History of Serving Older Adults
May is Older Americans Month. Designated in 1963 by President John F. Kennedy, this time is set aside to recognize the contributions that seniors make in their communities. We at the McLean County Museum of History agree that history is made every day and by people of all ages. No matter the mont...
4 mins read by Anthony Bowman
April 9th, 2016
Tri-Valley History Fair has long history at the Museum
It’s that time of year again! Projects created by seventh grade students attending Tri-Valley Middle School are now on display throughout the halls of the Museum from now until April 25. Projects on display feature a wide variety of topics including local favorites such as Steak n’ Shake, the Gam...
3 mins read by Candace Summers
March 29th, 2016
Father Ric Schneider Named 2016 History Makers Honoree
Born July 21, 1932 in Louisville, KYSince Father Ric Schneider arrived in Bloomington to become the pastor of St. Mary’s Parish 23 years ago he has built St. Mary’s into an institution that contributes to the well-being of the entire community, serving the needy regardless of faith.Born Raymond T...
7 mins read by Lauren Lacy
March 29th, 2016
Jill Hutchison Named 2016 History Makers Honoree
Born: March 8, 1945 in The Bronx, New YorkA Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame inductee and an internationally respected authority on the game, Jill Hutchison’s first brush with organized athletics was her seventh grade basketball team. But soon after, the self-proclaimed “Army brat” transfer...
6 mins read by Beth Whisman
March 29th, 2016
Jack Porter Named 2016 History Makers Honoree
Born June 4,1936 in Chicago, Illinois, Jack Porter’s passion for social justice has defined his life and career over five decades. Inspired by his Christian faith and his experiences while studying in India, Jack has long immersed himself in local struggles to end unfair housing practices, to fig...
7 mins read by Beth Whisman
March 29th, 2016
Gordon Ropp Named 2016 History Makers Honoree
Born April 5, 1933 in Normal, ILIt is impossible to study the history of agriculture and rural life in McLean County without examining the career of Gordon Ropp. His dedication to the advancement of agriculture and enrichment of rural life has played an instrumental role in shaping McLean ...
7 mins read by Lauren Lacy
March 9th, 2016
0 mins read by Torii Moré
March 7th, 2016
Special invitation to Abraham Lincoln fans
What a coup for the McLean County Museum of History to have Douglas L. Wilson speak!He is on any Abraham Lincoln fan's list of top Lincoln scholars in the nation. He is the leading authority on the work of William Herndon, Lincoln's long-time law partner and biographer which dominates a...
2 mins read by Jeffery Woodard
January 18th, 2016
'Making a Home’ exhibit begins new era for Museum
Who are the people who have made McLean County their home? Where did they come from and how did they get here? What did they experience after they arrived?On Monday, January 18, 2016 the McLean County Museum of History unveiled the new exhibit, "Making A Home", that will help answer the...
6 mins read by Jeffery Woodard
November 24th, 2015
0 mins read by Torii Moré
November 19th, 2015
Executive Director Greg Koos to retire after 39 years of leadership, preservation, vision
As the McLean County Museum of History prepares for major exhibit and technology changes that usher in a new era of teaching and promoting local history, the man who -- working with his mentor Barbara Dunbar -- transformed the McLean County Historical Society’s operations into a nationally accred...
4 mins read by Jeffery Woodard
October 13th, 2015
The Tilbury Flash on display at Central Illinois Regional Airport
The McLean County Museum of History’s largest artifact, the Tilbury Flash racing plane, has officially arrived at the Central Illinois Regional Airport terminal.Removed from display at the Museum to make way for the new Cruisin’ with Lincoln on 66 Visitors Center, the Tilbury Flash has been in st...
4 mins read by Beth Whisman