McLean County Historical Society

01/16/2018

Just a reminder for all who "like" this page: this page is not monitored. Please like the McLean County Museum of History for our posts, historic photos, and local events!

02/07/2017

Visit the McLean County Museum of History page for daily posts about events, historic photos, and more!

We're a nationally accredited museum located along Historic Route 66 dedicated to sharing the diverse stories of the people of Illinois' largest county. Stop by to discover something new! We're open 6 days a week and are always available via mchistory.org

08/28/2014

The Visitors Center project continues to move along. The archaeology, as expected has uncovered the location of the 1836 County Courthouse footings as well as the County jail building which stood at the NW corner from 1848 to 1868. While reviewing the original records archaeologist Floyd Mansberger has identified that two wings of that building were built as "safes" in 1863. He also found out that after the county vacated the jail in 1858, that it sat empty for a awhile and then the County Clerk moved into it. Some county Supervisors were upset, because the clerk wasn't paying rent. It is possible the children's related objects found there were from the Clerks family.

01/23/2014

Hello everyone, just a reminder that the McLean County Museum of History is the page you want to "like" for updates on our events, exhibits, photo of the week, and more. This page is not regularly updated.

08/14/2013

Hello everyone, just a reminder that the McLean County Museum of History is the page you want to "like" for updates on our events, exhibits, and more.

07/27/2013

20 minutes until the Social History Walking Tour begins! Meet on the east steps of the museum. This tour is approx. 2 hours!

Bloomington Social History Walking Tour -- please feel free to join Greg Koos & Mike Matejka this Saturday morning, at the Museum's east steps, 9-11:30 a.m., for a walking tour of Bloomington. They will discuss multiculturalism in the 19th century, the Civil War, Lincoln, immigration, ethnic neighborhoods, labor and economic development.

From the courthouse the tour will go south to the east-west Constitution trail and west on it to Alton Depot Park. Wear comfortable shoes; it should take 2- 2.5 hours. For those who like, we'll gather afterwards for a 'buy your own' lunch at Michael's to complete the discussion. See you there & bring a friend! (Photo - Troops around the courthouse square, June 1917, following a speech by famed labor organizer Mary 'Mother' Jones.)

02/05/2013

Today is Adlai Stevenson's Birthday. Let us remember this son of Bloomington who observed: "What do we mean by patriotism in the context of our times? I venture to suggest that what we mean is a sense of national responsibility... a patriotism which is not short, frenzied outbursts of emotion, but the tranquil and steady dedication of a lifetime."

01/22/2013

Be sure to visit the McLean County Museum of History page for information on our programs.