Past Events

Virtual 'Lost Speech' Found: Abraham Lincoln and the Founding of the Illinois Republican Party

Wednesday, May 18, 2022 7:00 PM

The ‘Lost Speech’ Found: Abraham Lincoln and the Founding of the Illinois Republican Party- On May 29, 1856, Lincoln gave the keynote address at a convention held in downtown Bloomington to establish a new political party opposed to the expansion of slavery—the Republican Party. Learn why this speech became to be known as the “Lost Speech” ...and how it’s not really lost!

Zoom MCGS - Census Records from 1950 presented by Tina Beaird

Tuesday, May 17, 2022 6:30 PM

Census Records from1950 with Tina Beaird, author, historian, lecturer, owner of Tamarack Genealogy is a genealogy and local history librarian in the Chicago area.

Online only

Normal Community High School Experimental Ensemble

Friday, May 13, 2022 7:00 PM

The Museum is pleased to host the debut performance of the Normal Community High School Experimental Ensemble, with special guest Eddie Breitweiser. The event will be presented in the Museum’s first floor rotunda, and is free and open to the public.

Zoom Lunch & Learn: University-based Innovation Centers are "Making" a Difference

Thursday, May 12, 2022 12:10 PM

It used to be that summer internships were the dominant means for companies to attract and engage students during their college years. Many universities across the country are now partnering with companies, not-for-profits, and communities throughout the entire year through the establishment of "makerspaces" to create win-win value propositions. Hear about these innovations in higher ed at this lunch and learn.

Online only

Lunch & Learn

'Tattooing Finds You:' How Tattooists Navigate their World

Tuesday, May 10, 2022 6:30 PM

Have you ever wondered how tattooists learn to do their jobs, how their careers advance, or what they contend with in order to create tattoos? Tattooists have to navigate the world of work. In this presentation, David C. Lane will take you on a journey about how the contemporary tattoo world operates.

Meet the Author! Greg Koos

Saturday, May 7, 2022 9:00 AM

The Museum is pleased to host author and historian Greg Koos, who will be signing copies of his new publication Freedom, Land, and Community: A History of McLean County Illinois, 1730-1900.

Museum Open Early for Farmers' Market

Every Saturday 8:30 AM

Our Museum opens at 8:30 a.m. to all visitors, with free admission until noon!

High-Risers: Cabrini-Green and the Fate of American Public Housing

Tuesday, May 3, 2022 7:00 PM

High-Risers braids personal narratives, city politics, and national history to tell the timely and epic story of Chicago’s Cabrini-Green, America’s most iconic public housing project.

Online + In Person

History Reads Book Club

Old Time Music (Jam Session)

Every Tuesday 5:00 PM

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 musicians that get together weekly.

"Looking for Lincoln" Funeral Train Marker Dedication

Tuesday, May 3, 2022 1:00 PM

The Museum, in partnership with Looking for Lincoln and the City of Bloomington, will unveil a new marker to honor the site where Lincoln’s funeral train made its final stop before reaching its final destination in Springfield.

"Adopt" a Non-Profit: The Baby Fold

Monday, May 2, 2022 9:00 AM

During each quarter of the Museum’s fiscal year, we will be “adopting” a different local nonprofit to help collect much-needed items to assist fulfilling the needs of their patrons. Those who donate items to the Museum from the wish list of our “adopted” groups will be entered into a drawing for a special prize at the end of each quarter.

Registration Opens for Futures in History Camp

Sunday, May 1, 2022 1:00 PM

Registration for Futures in History Camp is open to any area campers entering 4th, 5th, and 6th grades who are eager to explore the many futures a career in history can offer.

Online only

For kids

Trades & Labor Fest 2022

Saturday, April 30, 2022 10:00 AM

To highlight industry and industriousness in McLean County—both past and present—the Museum is inviting local businesses, unions, trades people, skilled workers, and artisans to showcase their skills and the services they provide to our community.

Bloomington/Normal LGBTQ+ Town Hall

Tuesday, April 26, 2022 6:00 PM

Please join the Prairie Pride Coalition and Equity Illinois for a town hall event that will will include a recap of the recently-ended spring session of the IL General Assembly including legislation of interest to the LGBTQ+ community as well as discussion of future legislative efforts to come during the fall veto session.