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...
The ISU Quad: Gateway to America 250 and the Wider World- Ticket sales have ended
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...
Research Acres State Historical Marker Dedication
The Museum, in partnership with the Paul A. Funk Foundation, invites you to the dedication of the Illinois State Historical Marker...
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...
SOLD OUT- 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...
The Underground Railroad in McLean County: Separating Fact from Fiction with Bill Kemp
Join the Museum and Bloomington Public Library as we examine a pivotal chapter in U.S. history too long obscured by bogus stories ...
Journey to Freedom: Illinois’ Underground Railroad traveling exhibit at Bloomington Public Library
From September 3 through November 30, 2026, Looking for Lincoln presents the travelling exhibit, Journey to Freedom: Illinois’ Und...
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...
A View of the Top: Inside the Museum Dome tour
One of the Museum’s most sought-after experiences is finally being made available to the public. For the first time ever, visitors...
Post Amerikan: The Newspaper That Wouldn't Die film screening and panel discussion at the Normal Theater
The Museum is pleased to be one of the sponsors of the new documentary, The Post Amerikan: The Newspaper That Wouldn't Die. T...
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...
Closed for Staff Professional Development Day
The Museum and its Cruisin' with Lincoln on 66 Visitors Center & Gift Shop will be closed all day on Wednesday, September...
2026 Mid Century Modernist Home Tour- BN
Save the Date!SATURAY, OCTOBER 3, 202610:00AM – 5:00PMBloomington-Normal, ILThe 2026 Mid Century Modernist Home Tour is a self-gui...
Museum Closed for Staff Professional Development Day
The Museum and its Cruisin' with Lincoln on 66 Visitors Center & Gift Shop will be closed all day on Monday, October 5, 2...
Mourning in McLean with Candace Summers
Meet the author! Museum's Senior Director of Education, Candace Summers, will speak about her new book which explores the man...
Institute Day: Native Nature Session 1
This semester, bring your students to the McLean County Museum of History for an Institute Day program all about Illinois-native W...
Free Admission in Honor of Indigenous Peoples' Day
Enjoy free admission all day on Monday, October 12, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in honor of Indigenous Peoples' Day!...
Museum Closed for Staff Professional Development Day
The Museum and its Cruisin' with Lincoln on 66 Visitors Center & Gift Shop will be closed all day on Wednesday, October 1...
Lucy Pettengill, Underground Railroad Operator at Bloomington Public Library
Meet Lucy Pettengill, resident of Peoria, Illinois, during March of 1857, and learn about the struggles she and her fellow aboliti...
Día de Muertos Celebration
Celebrate Día de Muertos with us on Saturday, October 31, 2026, from 3-7 p.m. All ages are welcome to this free event featuring ar...
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...
Joseph Rodney: Freedom Seeker on the Illinois Central Railroad at Bloomington Public Library
This presentation will share the story of Joseph who was enslaved on a plantation in Mississippi County, Missouri, and of his esca...
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. ...