Other Exhibits

Artifact of the Month

Audio Tour of Exhibit

Listen to an interview with curator, Sue Scott, about the exhibit.

Docent Guide Available

Past Exhibition

Home Front: Life During the Civil War

February 7 - May 26, 2012

Gran Rally Bushnell Poster We 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.

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