Voices from the Past brings history to life through costumed actors assuming the intriguing characters of McLean County’s ancestors in the beautiful grounds of Evergreen Memorial Cemetery. It’s a great opportunity to learn about the people who contributed to central Illinois’ colorful history. Bring your family to participate in this fascinating, award-winning outdoor theater program.

A collaboration between the McLean County Museum of History, Illinois Voices Theatre and Evergreen Memorial Cemetery

John C. Roeder, a German immigrant, will tell his tale of hunting Confederate guerilla forces in Western Missouri — a lawless class of outlaws and desperadoes who ravaged the countryside and attacked Union forces. 

Private William Horine, a member of the McLean County Regiment, was not shy about offering his opinion of the war and life as a soldier. In his letters home he wrote colorful comments on the “swill and slop” they had to eat, blood-sucking fleas and bedbugs, the “gray-backed Secesh” prisoners he was charged with guarding, and heaps more.

Martha Rice, a southern woman living in Bloomington, suffered personal in- dignities from the community, during the Civil War . Her husband, an ardent southern sympathizer, was burned in effigy on the courthouse square.

Eliza Esque celebrated her African American heritage by participating in and organizing events in honor of the Emancipation Proclamation and the return of African American Civil War veterans.

Dr. George Stipp and Dr. Lee Smith together experienced the horrific conditions both surgeons and patients faced in the Union Hotel Hospital — an ill-equipped, over-crowded former hotel located in Geogetown, on the outskirts of Washington D. C.

Colonel John McNulta, Commander of the McLean County Regiment, had a technique for drilling his troops that protected them from enemy fire.  His methods were credited with keeping his unit from suffering heavy losses throughout the war.

Lewis E. Ijams, a Union soldier serving with the 16^th Illinois Cavalry, was severely wounded during the Battle of Jonesville.  Assumed dead by the Confederates, he escaped and despite his wounds reached Union lines and then finally home.

George P. Ela and Frances Harriet Rowell Ela’s letters reveal a young couple in love, but separated by war. Through their letters they maintained an unwavering commitment and patriotism to each other and the Union.

Join us for the 2011 Discovery Walk!