Institute Day Programming
Check in soon for more information about Institute Day programs for the 2026/2027 school year.
Fall 2026: Native Nature
This semester, bring your students to the McLean County Museum of History for an Institute Day program all about Illinois-native Wildlife! Participants will learn about the history of the prairie, invasive species, the importance of pollinators, and how we can care for the natural world around us.
This program is available for students grades 5-8. If the cost of this program would prohibit your student from participating, please reach out to Emily McCusker at emccusker@mchistory.org to discuss your options.
Session 1: Friday, October 9, 2026
9 AM-4:30 PM, Drop-off begins at 8:30
Registration: August 17-October 1
Be sure to double check whether your student has this day off of school.
DISTRICT 87 STUDENTS REGISTER FOR THIS DATE.
Session 2: Friday, November 6, 2026
9 AM-4:30 PM, Drop-off begins at 8:30
Registration: August 17-October 30
Be sure to double check whether your student has this day off of school.
UNIT 5 STUDENTS REGISTER FOR THIS DATE.
Student/Guardian Testimonials:
"I just wanted to say thank you for arranging this program. I had a lot of fun and learned so much. I didn’t realize how much there was to know about McLean County or this museum. I especially enjoyed working with different art mediums and getting to go behind the scenes at the museum. I would absolutely love to participate in a similar program again in the future." -Student; Day Off, Art On (Spring 2026)
"My two boys really enjoyed the program. They talked about how the artists were so nice and visited with them/explained their process... They were impressed by the number of materials available for them to create with. They really wanted to go back again next time if there is one someday. Thank you for providing such a great day for our kids, especially during a day off school!" -Guardian; Day Off, Art On (Spring 2026)
“THANK YOU THANK YOU for hosting such a great event!!! [Student] spent most of the evening telling me about how great it was. She loved seeing the areas that are not open to the public." -Guardian; Day Off, Art On (Spring 2026)