MCLEAN COUNTY MUSEUM OF HISTORY - Bloomington, Illinois
MCLEAN COUNTY MUSEUM OF HISTORY - Bloomington, Illinois
The museum opened to the public in 1904 with an array of presidential papers and other items from the time. Currently there are over 18,000 items on display showing the life of central Illinois from the beginning of the state history to today. There are 10,000 volumns of information along with 1,500 feet of archives to provide information to you.
The museum has events throughout the year for the education and enjoyment of those visiting. Unless their site says differently all events are held at the museum.
On permenant exhibit are: Encounter the Prairie. This The People Gallery provides the opportunity to learn about the customs settlers brought to Illinois. Meet the Native Americans of the area and the African Americans, Irish, Upland Southerners, and Germans who settled in McLean County.
You can also view kitchens from these various cultural groups and take home authentic recipes to try in your own kitchen.
Politics Gallery: Here you will be able to test your political thoughts and see where you actually stand on issues. You will be able to "meet" Abraham Lincoln, David Davis, and Adlai Stevenson, as well as the common people who have called McLean County home.
Work Gallery: You will be able to see the different types of employment and manufacturing that have been part of the history of the area and try your hand at working in the "Wheel Shop" of the Chicago and Alton train shops. You can also enter a holding cell (jail) and see what that felt like, you probably will know you want to follow the law rather than have to experience that in real life!
Farming Gallery: You will see the prairie grass that once covered the area (and see how hard it was for the farmers to break through this to be able to plant their crops . . especially with the tools they had to work with and remember, they had to do it by hand. Relive the days when the town of Normal was famous for its horses and experience the pride of McLean County.
There are displays of the American Indians living in the area when it was settled.
The staff at the museum will help you find the materials you need for your research and suggest ways to preserve your precious papers, although they will not do it for you, they can suggest the items you will need.
Location: 200 Main, Bloomington, Illinois 61701
Phone: 309-827-0428
Comments
Got something to say?