Museum News Archive

The McLean County Museum of History has, once again, received the highest national recognition afforded the nation's museums: accreditation by the American Alliance of Museums.

Of the nation's estimated 33,000 museums, just over 1,080, or 3.3%, are accredited. Alliance Accreditation recognizes museums for their commitment to excellence, accountability, high professional standards, and continued institutional improvement.

Executive Director Julie Emig is out on medical leave from the McLean County Museum of History until December. Her prognosis is exceptionally good with a full recovery expected. While Julie is managing her health, the Board has named Development Director Norris Porter as the Acting Executive Director. "I have complete confidence in Porter’s leadership,” said Emig. “The Museum is in great hands.” Please direct any questions you have about the Museum to nporter@mchistory.org.

After immortalizing the legacy of 336 McLean County WWII veterans by placing bronze tablets etched with their names atop a once fading memorial on the East side of the Museum Square, the McLean County Museum of History is set to host a memorial rededication ceremony on Saturday, November 5, 2022 at 1 pm.

...Even more rewarding than any accolades, however, is the nearing opportunity for creators and contributors to break bread together in person for the first time following the immense and continued success of this highly personal—and virtual—project. This private Long Table-inspired event for project contributors will take place in September in alliance with the City of Bloomington's Welcoming America initiative and Welcoming Week celebration.

Two McLean County residents with working class roots continue to make history as major community and philanthropic leaders. Deanna Frautschi and Alan Bedell both impact many lives with their generous souls, nurtured by their love of nature.

“Tikkun Olam,” a phrase in Hebrew meaning to “repair the world,” sums up George and Myra Gordon’s many community contributions, including education, recycling, and planting trees.

The McLean County Museum of History (MCMH) received an award for Superior Achievement in Community Partnerships by the Illinois Association for Museums (IAM) in recognition of their groundbreaking series, “Breaking Bread in McLean County.” This 10-part online program highlighted the shared and disparate experiences of local migrant communities from the Kickapoo to Congolese Americans, emphasizing shared elements including food, family, tradition, trauma, and exchange to promote a deeper understanding of the ways McLean County has treated its past and present im/migrant communities.

In the interest of the safety of our patrons, volunteers, and staff in light of the developing COVID-19 situation regionally and nationally, the McLean County Museum of History and Cruisin’ with Lincoln on 66 Visitors Center will be closed to the public beginning Saturday, March 14. Should conditions allow, the Museum will reopen to the public on Monday, April 6.

The McLean County Museum of History welcomes and values all visitors. We are committed to representing the entire community by sharing your history, your story. In fact, it is part of our mission to “reflect the diversity of McLean County,” and we take that mission seriously. As an educational institution, the Museum’s job is to illuminate stories and foster opportunities for dialogue so people can learn from the experiences of one another—whether they lived 1,000 years ago or today. These stories must serve both as mirrors that reflect ourselves and as windows that allow us to view the wider world.

It’s a rough road from the Louisiana cotton fields to Bloomington-Normal, with obstacles every step of the way.   Henry Gay Sr. completed that journey with dignity and standing up for human rights.