Did you know that the Western Illinois Museum:

• Represents the history of West Central Illinois with a collection of over 6,000 artifacts
• Mounts 3 to 4 quality exhibitions a year
• Receives over 2,600 visitors yearly
• Has 50 active volunteers
• Has the support of 125 members
• Plans to develop a space for the museu's permanent
  collection
• Conveniently located in downtown Macomb

The Friends of the Western Illinois Museum provide support for the museum’s collection and exhibition program.  The museum is entrusted with over 6,000 artifacts that represent the diverse culture of West Central Illinois and provides opportunities through exhibitions, lectures, and internships, for the community to learn about the history of the region.  The Western Illinois Museum is a 501c3 corporation and memberships are tax deductible.

Friends of the Museum levels:
$20 Senior
$25 Individual
$35 Family
$50 Supporter
$75 Partner
$__ Other

Make checks payable to:
Western Illinois Museum
Western Illinois Museum
201 South Lafayette
Macomb, IL  61455

Or Call 309.837.2750 for more information.

Contributors to Quilt Stories include:
Connie Berg
Mary Ellen Graff
Fama Hanson
Peggy Hood
Sue Hunt
Elizabeth Kaspar
Kibbe Museum
Kim Nettles
Laura O’Harra
William Maakestad
Barbara Meyers
Beth Stiffle
Cynthia Sullivan
Ann Taylor

Quilt Stories

The Western Illinois Museum is pleased to partner with the West Central Illinois Arts Center in presenting exhibits about the practice and history of quilt making:  Quilt Stories is a look at the history of quilts while Quilted Expressions: Art and Story in Fabric is an exhibit of contemporary quilts.

Quilt Stories is a historical look at quilts from the region.  A quilt can be simply defined as two pieces of fabric with a filler layer joined together by quilting stitches or ties.  Over time it has become a canvas for quilters to express what they think important and hold dear.  Each of the quilts in the exhibit tells a unique story of families, influences, inventions, beliefs and political interests.  The exhibit includes over twenty quilts that represent the rich history of over 100 years of quilt making in the region sewn by women from Carthage, Good Hope, Macomb, and Bushnell with examples from as early as 1848.
 
Quilt Stories will be on view through April 24, 2010.  The museum is located at 201 South Lafayette at the corner of Washington Street. The museum is open 10 - 4, Tuesday through Saturday.  Admission is free and donations are welcome.
 
Quilt Stories is organized by Western Illinois Museum with assistance from the members of the Prairie Quilters and Kim Nettles of Force Majeure.  Research assistance was provided by Barbara Brown, Ben Justman, Lois and Lowell Lueck. Exhibit display was constructed by Lowell Lueck.

Upcoming Program

Quilt Appraisals: Saturday, March 20, 2010
Appointments from 10:30 - 4:00
The museum will host certified quilt appraiser, Mary Serafini, who will be available to appraise both vintage and new quilts. For each 30 minute evaluation, Mary will provide a written appraisal which can be used for documentation and insurance purposes. Appraisals are by appointment and the fee for each quilts is $45. To make an appointment contact the museum at info@westernillinoismuseum.org or 309.837.2750.

Mary Serafini is a AQS (American Quilters Society) Certified Quilt Appraiser and is also a member of PAAQT (Professional Association of Appraisers of Quilted Textiles).

Why should a quilt be appraised:

• Establish a written replacement value for insurance purposes

• Provide protection and proof of value when a quilt is shipped or when displayed at a quilt show

• Determine the value for a donation, gift,or estate purposes for TRS

• Obtain a descriptive written record and value for family records

• Purchase a "Fine Arts Floater" insurance endorsement to your Homeowner's Policy

Sign up for the email list to get announcements of all upcoming programs and events.

Western Illinois Museum begins Collection of Oral History

What: The Western Illinois Museum will begin collecting the stories that are an integral part of our local history.  In conjunction with the upcoming exhibit, The Courthouse Square Project: A History in the Making, the museum is creating a collection of digitally recorded stories and memories about the social customs, businesses, rivalries, politics, and traditions related to Macomb’s Courthouse Square.  Recording oral history captures an individual’s experiences which in turn inform the collective history of the region.  This is a unique opportunity for the community to participate in the important work of preserving the history of the region.
 
When: Beginning Wednesday, March 3rd and each Wednesday in March, the museum will collect memories and stories from 12:00 – 2:00 pm or by appointment.  To make an appointment, call 309.837.2750 or email intern@westernillinoismusuem.org.
 
Where: Oral histories will be recorded at the Western Illinois Museum located at 201 South Lafayette Street in Macomb, Illinois.
 
The Court House Square Project: A History in the Making will be on view May 15 through September 13, 2010.  McDonough County’s Courthouse Square −built in the center of the county −has long been the focal point for area residents and visitors.  The exhibit will trace changes in the physical features of the square, record the stories, analyzing the impact social, political and economic issues had on the life on the square, and examine its traditions and culture.  These physical structures which hold a wealth of history will become the entryway to gain an appreciation for what exists today.
 
The exhibit is being organized with assistance from the Macomb Historic Preservation Commission.

Save the Date: Saturday, April 10, 2010
The museum will host an informational family program on how to construct a quilt with demonstrations and hands on activities. The event
is being organized with the members of the Prairie Quilters club of Macomb.

Map of the Illinois Military Tract created by Congress in 1812

Hero of the War of 1812

Born in Detroit, General Macomb was one of the first graduates of the new military academy, West Point. In September, 1814, he repulsed the superior British forces in the Battle of Plattsburg, New York.  This painting by Thomas Sully, was completed in 1829 and hangs in the West Point museum. The town of Macomb was named for him in December, 1830. Earlier in 1830 it had been named Washington, Illinois.

In 1812, Congress set aside bounty land, part of which was in the Illinois Territory, as payment to soldiers who fought in the War of 1812. The land, titled the Military Tract, stretched from the Rock Island County line south to Beardstown, land that today includes fourteen counties plus parts of four others.  Each soldier received 160 acres.