Home Front: Life During the Civil War

 

 


Upcoming Exhibit

A Legacy of Learning: A History of Our Local Schools

June- September 2012

 

Other Exhibits

Artifact of the Month

 

 

 

 

Current Exhibition


Home Front: Life During the Civil War

February 7 - May 26, 2012
 
Gran Rally Bushnell PosterWe are at the beginning of a five year commemoration of the 150th anniversary of the Civil War. Americans will celebrate epic battles, remember famous politicians, and watch cinematically glorified, romanticized tales of cultures lost. These ideas seem so distant to a Western Illinoisan. This exhibit takes a different approach, bringing the issues closer to home as it considers the Civil War's impact on our region.

In 1860, Macomb was a growing city with a growing population. The railroad had recently come into town in 1855. Businesses were booming around what we now refer to as the Courthouse Square. There were two local newspapers, the Democratic Macomb Eagle and the Republican Macomb Journal. With Abraham Lincoln recently elected to the presidency, the politics were as lively as ever.  Only thirty years after it was established, Macomb was on the verge of one of the most significant events in American history.
 
Join us for an opening reception Saturday, February 11th from 1:00 - 4:00 p.m.  Take a tour of the exhibit at 2:00 with Dr. Robert Welch who assisted with the research of the exhibit along with Curator Sue Scott. John Lane and Chanel Miller will perform Civil War era music at 3:00.  Join us for an enjoyable afternoon.  Bring the whole family.     
 
To accompany the exhibit, intern Katie Benson, has developed an outreach program that can be taken to local assisted living centers and clubs, bringing the current exhibit to those who cannot come to the museum.  The presentation explores the music of the Civil War and includes a PowerPoint presentation, and audio component. To schedule an program contact Joe at joe@westernillinoismuseum.org.


Exhibit research and asistance provided by Katie Benson and Dr. Robert Welch. Installation assistance from John Cox and Lowell Lueck. Exhibit includes artifacts on loan from George Wanamaker.