WELCOME TO MACOMB

The Courthouse Square: A History in the Making
Opening Reception: Friday, June 4, 2010, 5:30-8:00 pm

McDonough County’s Courthouse Square, built in the center of the county, has long been the focal point for area residents and visitors.  The Western Illinois Museum’s new exhibit, The Courthouse Square: A History in the Making, showcases the over 175 years of our regions unique history as it was lived on the square. The exhibit includes photographs that trace changes in the physical features of the square, oral histories from seven long time residents, and a number of artifacts from the museum’s collection and on loan from the community.

Since the first business opened on the square in 1833 it has been the place where the history and culture of our region has been created.  Artifacts like an 1867 legal ledger from the law firm Tunnicliff and Matteson provides a record of how early settlers established McDonough County as a vibrant community and built the physical place we call the square.

The exhibit offers visitors a number of ways to delve into the history of the Courthouse Square.  On display are photographs and artifacts, newspaper accounts of events and important dates, stories of families, along with explanation of business practices and social concerns on the square.  For the first time at the Western Illinois Museum, visitors can listen to recently collected oral histories about life on the square.  Recording stations through out the exhibit have short recollection from local residents Suzie Melton, Tweed Mummert, Harold Morrow, Chris Strong, Leona Waller, and George Wannamaker. Listen to a brief sample of Tweed Mummert's recollection of working on the square.

The opening reception for the exhibit will be Friday, June 4 from 5:30 to 8:00 pm at the Western Illinois Museum.  Refreshments will be served.  The exhibit will be on view through September 11, 2010.  The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10am – 4pm.  Admission to the reception and the museum is free and open to the public. Donations appreciated.

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 or log on to http://westernillinoismuseum.org/.