Become a Member

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 6,00 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.

Current Exhibit

Quilt Stories

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 Exhibit

Macomb, Illinois square

Court House Square Project, an exhibit that delves into the architecture and businesses on the square, as well as, the rivalries, the cultural institutions, and social traditions that were created by these locations. The exhibit opens May 15 and will be on view through September 13, 2010. The Historic Preservation Commission has been working to raise the awareness of the historic sites in downtown Macomb and the museum is pleased to work with the commission as advisor for this exhibit.

In October of 2010 the museum will host New Harmonies, a traveling Smithsonian exhibition about American roots music. The exhibit will also explore regional roots music such as the contributions of musicians and composers like Al Sears and Walter Eller. The Illinois Humanities Council is providing the funding to bring the exhibit to Macomb as well as helping provide support for programs and events.

The museum is free and open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 – 4. Guided tours are available for groups and special programs can be arranged for school groups. Please contact curator Sue Scott to make arrangements for your visit.

Upcoming Event

Upcoming Program: Saturday, March 6 at 1:00 pm

Who Collects What... What's it worth?
Collecting & Selling Insights with Sam and Becky Parker

The antique and collectibles market has changed dramatically in the last
few years. “What Is It Worth? Collecting and Selling Insights” with Sam
and Becky Parker will share their experience of over 47 years of
collecting and 7 years of selling. Topics covered will include the
psychology behind the collector and collecting, how to research the
current value of treasured items, and different avenues available for
downsizing collections.

Then next program in the museum's series on collecting will be March 6th at 1:00 pm.

About the series
Who Collects What… is a series of programs for the inquisitive mind. Collecting takes focus, determination and keen vision. This series looks at the wide range of collections in the region and provides insightful presentations by those who are seasoned collectors. Whether you are a passionate collector or curious observer, these programs provide a glimpse into the practice of collecting, how to manage and care for a collection, as well as, an opportunity to exchange ideas and swap stories.

Local History

Map of the Illinois Millitary Tract created by congress in 1812

Map of the Illinois Military Tract Created by Congress in 1812

General Alexander Macomb
1782- 1841

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.