Support the Museum: Friends of the Western Illinois Museum

Western Illinois Museum is a non-profit organization that relies on the generosity of many people, organizations and businesses. The museum provides a valuable service in the preservation of and education about the history of western central Illinois, and could not continue to fulfill its mission without the financial support and work of the numerous volunteers. There are a number of ways to become a Friend of the Museum: choose the type of support that is right for you.

Become a Member and receive a copy of
The Historic Courthouse Square: Every Building Tells a Story

Although the early structures built on Macomb’s Courthouse Square in the 1830s are no longer in existence, the Square has never ceased to be the stage on which the community’s successes and failures, heartaches and celebrations have been played out.

We ask for your support in helping the museum continue this important work in preserving our community’s unique history and culture. As a thank you, any renewing or new member will receive a copy of this 24-page, illustrated book that tells the stories of the region’s founders and the community they built.

Choose a membership level that is right for you.

Senior and Student $20

Individual $25

Family $35

Supporter $50

Partner $75

Century Club $100

Become a member online using PayPal

Download the membership form and send your contribution to:

Western Illinois Museum

201 South Lafayette Street

Macomb, IL 61455

Make checks payable to Western Illinois Museum.

Contributions

Join the ranks of supporters who provide ongoing support. Making a five year pledge gives the museum the opportunity to budget for new programs, make improvements to the facility and meet its staffing needs.

Contact the museum to learn more about the current needs of the organization.

Business Partners

The Business Partners program of the Western Illinois Museum builds alliances between the museum and local businesses.

The museum is a vibrant part of our community, showcasing what is unique and valuable in our region. It connects and unites people around the history, ideas, and cultures of west central Illinois, building pride in what makes us an eclectic community.

Local businesses play an important role by supporting the programs and exhibits the museum presents. The museum provides a valuable service to the community. Many of the local residents believe the museum adds to the quality of life in the community. Supporting the Western Illinois Museum secures the future of the organization and communicates to the community that business owners are aware of the role the museum plays in keeping the region a vibrant place.

Business Partners may sponsor exhibits, sponsor programs, make annual contributions, or provide critical in-kind services.

Sponsor an exhibit:

Exhibition sponsors provide financial support for the organization and implementation of an exhibit. Each exhibit brings unique challenges for presenting a variety of artifacts, communicating historical details and photographs, and planning relevant programs for visitors and students. Support from a Business Partner directly impacts the quality of the exhibit and enhances the visitor’s experience.
Exhibition sponsors will have their business names listed in all promotional materials and on the sponsored exhibit wall panels.
Suggested contributions start at $100.

Sponsor a program:

Through its mission, the Western Illinois Museum affirms the belief that knowing the past gives hope and promise for the future of our community. Exhibition related programs and events play a key role in the education of visitors of all ages. Business Partner support for programs at the museum assists the museum’s efforts to bring compelling speakers and develop meaningful programs for the benefit of the community.
Program sponsors will have their business names listed in all promotional materials for that program.
Suggested contributions start at $100.
To select a program to sponsor see attached schedule.

Make an annual contribution

The Western Illinois Museum is funded by individuals and businesses who recognize the value of our local heritage and want to preserve and protect it. The museum operates on a small annual budget that covers the salary of one part-time staff member, the care of the collection of 6,000 artifacts, and all expenses to mount exhibits and programs. Annual contributions made by Business Partners help the museum plan and improve its programs.
Business Partner names are engraved on the museum’s Donor Recognition Wall commensurate with the level of contributions.
Suggested contributions start at $500. A three to five year pledge is recommended.

Provide in-kind services

The Western Illinois Museum operates with one part-time staff member and over 50 volunteers. Without the generosity of people offering their expertise, service and time, the museum would not remain a dynamic, growing organization. In these challenging times, the gift of services and time provide a way for Business Partners to build customer loyalty and introduce new customers to their services or products. Supporting the museum with in-kind products or services helps the museum maintain its operations and improve its ability to be a professional organization.
Suggested services include technology support, donation of equipment, signage and printing services, light construction for exhibits, and building maintenance work and providing work or materials needed for materials.

The museum honors all of its contributors, including Business Partner on the museum’s Donor Recognition Wall commensurate with the following levels of contribution:

$500 - $999 President Ulysses S. Grant
$1,000 - $4,999 President John Adams
$5,000 - $9,999 President Andrew Jackson
$10,000 - $24,999 President Thomas Jefferson
$25,000 - $49,999 President George Washington

The Western Illinois Museum is a 501c3 organization that relies on support from individuals and businesses.

Leon Clements Internship Award

The Leon Clements Internship Award provides financial support to young professionals who have chosen to dedicate their time and talents to Western Illinois Museum. This award is given to interns who have had an impact through their work with the museum, and provides financial encouragement to those beginning their careers in the museum profession.

A nominee for the award should meet the following criteria:

A person who has worked under the supervision of the museum staff or a board member
A person who is seeking a career in museum studies, history or recreation, park and tourism administration, or related work
A person who is currently enrolled in or completed a degree program in the last six months
A person who has spent at least 100 hours in service to the museum

The decision to grant an award and the monetary amount is to be determined by the Board of Trustee after assessing the interns work under the recommendation of the person supervising the intern.

No part of any contributions to this fund will be used for operating expenses or other museum expenses.

Volunteer

Become a Docent

Do an internship

Help with a project