Sign of the Times

Upcoming Exhibit


Sign of the Times
May 13 - August 20, 2013

 

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Current Exhibitions


Sign of the Times

May 13 - August 10, 2013 

 

Ice request signSigns have a long history. Sincepeople have wanted to communicate information, we have been making signs. The signage in the museum's collection reflects the businesses, rules, and events of the region. This exhibit explores a variety of signs to discovering our history.

 

 

What is the Military Tract?

April 3, 2013

 

Military Tract IllinoisThis exhibit includes an explanation of how the lands that became McDonough and other area counties was given in payment to the soldiers who served in the War of 1812. The Military Tract was the name given to the area bound by the Illinois and Mississippi rivers that was set aside for men who had enlisted for at least five years.  The exhibit outlines the establishment of these veterans’ benefits, the negotiation with the Potawatomi Indians, and the settlement of the county.

 

On display will be a land grant certificate signed by President James Monroe (1817-1825). On loan to the museum and included in the exhibit are two deeds, signed by local resident, William H. Randolph in the 1850s, which sells land grant plots owned by War of 1812 soldiers to area settlers. These documents tell the story of the development of McDonough County and its growth in the mid 19th century as lands finally began to be occupied and settled. Research for the exhibit was provided by Michael Illovsky and Dr. Robert Welch.