History Makers Gala
2026 Honorees are Melinda Fischer, John McIntyre, Feli Sebastian, Camille & Art Taylor.
Each year, the History Makers Gala recognizes long-standing residents whose outstanding, life-long contributions of time and talents have helped to make McLean County a better place to live. The Gala dinner & program celebrates the honorees and their service to the community. The 2026 History Makers Gala and the Annual Meeting of the McLean County Historical Society will take place on the evening of Wednesday, June 17th at the Brown Ballroom at Illinois State University. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and the program & dinner begins at 6:15 p.m.
Tickets
Tickets are $100 for the general public and $75 for Museum members. Full Table Sponsorships Begin at $1,500 and Half-Table Sponsorships are $750. Proceeds support the Museum’s free and subsidized educational programs in the community.
$200 Video Screen Message: Congratulate honoree(s) with a message displayed on the Gala Video Screens. Contact the development office for details or purchase online.
For questions, contact Development staff by calling (309) 827-0428. If you can't attend, consider making a donation in honor of the History Makers. You can leave a memory for an honoree by sending a message to Norris Porter.
Dinner Menu
Our menu will feature a gluten friendly buffet dinner including house salad w/dressing, green beans, herb roasted potatoes, Mediterranean Polenta Ragout, Airline Chicken with Lemon Caper Sauce, and assorted desserts, coffee, iced tea, water, and a complimentary glass of wine. A cash bar is also available. Questions? Contact the development office.
Program
In conjunction with the Museum’s annual meeting, the Gala dinner will feature video tributes celebrating the lives and legacies of the 2026 History Makers. Congratulations to this year’s honorees – Melinda Fischer, John McIntyre, Feli Sebastian, and Camille & Art Taylor.
Biographies
Click the links below to read their short biographies. The video tributes at the Gala will include the full biographies.
Fischer, Melinda
Melinda Fischer’s career as a nationally renowned softball coach mirrors the broader trajectory of Title IX and the long pursuit of...
John McIntyre
At his father’s service station in Farmer City, John McIntyre—known today as “Coach Mac”—learned a strong work ethic and a commitment...
Feli Sebastian
For I know well the plans I have in mind for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare, not for woe, plans to give you a future...
Camille & Art Taylor
Always ready to lend her voice, Camille Taylor is a long-standing McLean County human rights activist, educator, and advocate for...
Become a Sponsor
Promote your business or organization’s brand during this high-profile event. You will reach an engaged audience that is educated, affluent, and deeply involved in making our local area a better place to live and work. The Gala is a great way to connect with our audience while demonstrating your commitment to the community. Contact Norris Porter, Director of Development, to learn more about our Business & Corporate Alliance Program and how you can partner with the Museum throughout the year. For more information about our Gala Sponsorship Package, click here.
$5,000 Dome Sponsor: 2-tables (16 guests), full page ad in Gala program, logo displayed on Gala video screens, recognition in Museum magazine, logo in email blasts promoting the Gala, logo on Gala webpage, social media recognition, and free rental of the Museum’s Governor Fifer Courtroom for an event.
$2,500 Rotunda Sponsor: 1 table (8 guests), half-page ad in Gala program, logo displayed on Gala video screens, recognition in Museum magazine, logo in email blasts promoting the Gala, logo on Gala webpage, and social media recognition.
$1,500 Gallery Sponsor: 1 table (8 guests), logo recognition in Gala program, logo displayed on Gala video screens, and social media recognition.
$750 Exhibit Sponsor: ½ table (4 guests), name recognition in Gala program, logo displayed on Gala video screens, and social media recognition.
$200 Video Screen Message: Congratulate honoree(s) with a message displayed on the Gala Video Screens. Contact Norris Porter for details.
Nominate a History Maker for our 2027 Gala
McLean County has no shortage of people who have dedicated their lives to making our community a better place to live.
History Maker nominees do not have to be wealthy, prominent, or easily recognized. They do need to have a significant story to tell: perhaps it is one of service to their country and community; maybe it is a successful career, whether in a trade, business, profession, or social service; or maybe their family together has left a lasting legacy for McLean County.