Events
View our listing of upcoming events and programs. Looking for past events? Find them on our list of past events. To view recordings of past events, or to tune into a livestream, visit our YouTube channel.
Every Tuesday at 5:00pm
Old Time Music (Jam Session)
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 musicia...
Juneteenth at Bloomington Public Library
Juneteenth, the holiday commemorating the emancipation of enslaved people in the United States, was officially recognized as a fed...
Exhibit Opening: A More Perfect Union at the McLean County Arts Center
Join us on Juneteenth for the opening of A More Perfect Union: A Community Exhibition Commemorating America 250. All are welcome f...
FREE Admission in Honor of Juneteenth
Enjoy free admission on Friday, June 19 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in honor of Juneteenth. ...
SOLD OUT Guided Social Justice Walking Tour
The McLean County Museum of History is offering a Social Justice Walking Tour on Thursday, June 25 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. to explo...
Lincoln & The Declaration of Independence with Guy Fraker
On Tuesday, June 30, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. author and historian Guy Fraker will trace the influence of the Declaration of Independenc...
Looking for Lincoln - Lincoln and Douglas Marker Dedication
Looking for Lincoln- Lincoln and Douglas Marker DedicationOn Friday, July 3rd at 2:00 p.m., the Museum, in partnership with Lookin...
Back 2 School Supply Drive
Back 2 School Supply Drive – We Need your Help!From July 3 through August 6, 2026, the Museum will be participating in the Back 2 ...
Closed for Fourth of July
The Museum and its Cruisin' with Lincoln on 66 Visitors Center & Gift Shop will be closed in observance of the July 4th h...
Looking for Lincoln in Downtown Bloomington - a Walking Tour with Norris Porter
Bloomington is one of the richest communities for Abraham Lincoln-related sites—some of which look much as they did during his lif...
Exhibit Opening - More Than a Game: A Community History of Baseball & Softball
Join us on Saturday, July 18, to celebrate the grand opening of our newest exhibit, More Than A Game: A Community History of Baseb...
The ISU Quad: Gateway to America 250 and the Wider World
Join the McLean County Museum of History for a fun and fact-filled stroll through Illinois State University's Quad on Saturda...
History Reads Book Club: The Promise of the Grand Canyon
All are welcome to join the Museum and Bloomington Public Library on Tuesday, August 4 at 7:00 p.m. for the third History Reads Bo...
Knit In at Normal Public Library
Calling ALL Knitters and Crocheters, grab your needles and hooks, some yarn, a friend or two, and come and knit for a bit!The thir...
A History of Bicycling in Illinois with Christopher Sweet
The Museum, in partnership with Bloomington Public Library, will host Illinois Wesleyan University professor Chris Sweet for a pro...
Get Your Farm History Kicks Along Route 66 Bus Trip
While most drivers enjoy the convenience and speed of Interstate 55 from Bloomington to Chenoa, others prefer taking a leisurely t...
John Wesley Powell: Bloomington-Normal to the Arid Lands with Bill Kemp
John Wesley Powell: Bloomington-Normal to the Arid Lands or the American Dream and the Exploitation of the West and Its PeoplesJoi...
Downtown Bloomington Architecture Tour
Many of the buildings in downtown Bloomington are 100-plus years old, and each has a story to tell, if you know where to look.Join...
Looking for Lincoln in Downtown Bloomington - a Walking Tour with Norris Porter
Bloomington is one of the richest communities for Abraham Lincoln-related sites—some of which look much as they did during his lif...
Closed for Labor Day
The Museum and our Cruisin' with Lincoln on 66 Visitors Center & Gift Shop will be closed in observance of Labor Day. We ...
Looking for Lincoln in Downtown Bloomington - a Walking Tour with Norris Porter
Bloomington is one of the richest communities for Abraham Lincoln-related sites—some of which look much as they did during his lif...
Democracy Dialogues: "All Men Are Created Equal"
In collaboration with our community partners, we’re hosting five events to facilitate intergenerational dialogue about American De...
History Reads Book Club: Onward to Chicago-Freedom Seekers and the Underground Railroad
All are welcome to join the Museum and Bloomington Public Library on Wednesday, November 4 at 7:00 p.m. for the final History Read...
Knit In at the Museum
Calling ALL Knitters and Crocheters, grab your needles and hooks, some yarn, a friend or two, and come and knit for a bit!The fina...
Democracy Dialogues: "Consent of the Governed"
In collaboration with our community partners, we’re hosting five events to facilitate intergenerational dialogue about American De...
Closed for Thanksgiving
The Museum and its Cruisin' with Lincoln on 66 Visitors Center & Gift Shop will be closed in observance of Thanksgiving. ...