The Museum's Futures in History Camp is a unique 5-day camp experience for students entering 5th, 6th, and 7th grades who are eager to explore the many futures a career in history can offer.

Led by Museum staff and other experts in the field, this camp provides hands-on learning experiences and exclusive field trips to explore a range of topics, including architecture, archaeology, civics, museum studies, and preservation. The price of registration includes all materials, snacks, and meals. More information on pricing and daily activities is listed below. Questions? Contact Emily McCusker, the Museum's Director of Youth & Family Education, by clicking here.

The 2025 Futures in History Camp will take place June 23-27, 2025 from 9 AM to 4 PM. Registration opens on April 1, 2025.

Not sure about doing a whole week of Futures in History Day Camp? We're also hosting two Futures in History Mini-Camps. Each camp will focus on a single topic and consist of three half-day sessions. Last year was the first year we did Mini-Camps and received positive feedback. This year, we're bringing back a new and improved version of our Curious Curators Mini-Camp and debuting an all-new Mini-Camp, Discovering Downtown.

Futures in History Mini Camp: Discovering Downtown

How much do you really know about historic Downtown Bloomington? Come with us as we explore the culture, history, and humans that make Downtown Bloomington the gem it is. From behind-the-scenes tours to historic context, participants will leave this program with a better understanding of their community, and some unique experiences to brag about next school year.

The Discovering Downtown Mini Camp will be on July 14-16 from 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM. Registration opens on April 1, 2025.

Futures in History Mini Camp: Curious Curators

Learn about museums from the professionals at the McLean County Museum of History! Participants will get a behind-the-scenes look at our museum, collections, and galleries on day one. We'll meet at the David Davis Mansion on day two to learn about historic house museums. On day three, participants will learn how to write an object label and create a display. The camp will finish with a special Gallery Opening, designed by our campers and hosted at Hangar Art Company.

Curious Curators will take place July 21-23 from 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM. Registration opens on April 1, 2025.

“Henry absolutely loved this camp. It’s so unique and provides really cool experiences for kids not otherwise available. It was probably his favorite camp this summer. I love that there was so much focus and thought put into it.”

Dorothy Rossi, FiHC 2024 Parent

Information for Prospective FiHC Families

Futures in History Camp will operate according to specifications and protocols recommended by the State of Illinois and adhere to guidance provided by the IDPH, CDC, and ISBE. Specific health and safety protocols for FiHC 2025 will be determined as camp dates near.

All participants are asked to self-certify that they are free of the following symptoms:

Fever (100.4 or higher), new onset of moderate to severe headache, shortness of breath, new cough, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain from unknown cause, new congestion/runny nose, new loss of sense of taste or smell, nausea, fatigue from unknown cause, muscle or body aches. 

For up-to-date information on safety and health protocols specific to the McLean County Museum of History go to www.mchistory.org/visit.