History of the Heartland’s History Showcase Saturday May 16

History Happens in Decatur, IL!! History of the Heartland is sponsoring their annual History Showcase Saturday on Saturday, May 16. The public is invited to visit the historical gems of Decatur! “We created this showcase to highlight our historic venues in Decatur,” says History of the Heartland founder, Ayn Owens. This event is part of the 7th annual Historic Preservation Week, sponsored by the historic preservation organization. New this year will be the free trolley rides to the downtown venues.

Tourists will be able to visit a wide variety of historic venues including a former Illinois Governor’s home, the homestead of the founder of Millikin University, the Lincoln Log Court house and so much more. “Decatur is rich with historic people, homes, businesses, Lincoln lore and more! We appreciate the participation of our historic sites, their staff and volunteers. Each site is a gem in our community with a story or several to tell,” says Owens. “We are extremely proud that Millikin University is joining as a tour site this year! Of course, the movie about James Millikin is an added bonus with a showing at the Lincoln Theater,” Owens continues.

History Showcase Saturday! May 16^th

Millikin University, 1184 West Main St—11am to 1pm Millikin celebrates their 125^th year with their first participation in Historic Preservation Week. Open House in the Iconic Shilling Hall and Gorin Hall. Gorin is the former library of the University. Visitors will be greeted with information about each and it is a self-guided tour, FREE!

James Millikin Homestead, 125 North Pine St—Open house and tours 11am to 1pm Donations accepted. During your tour of this West Side treasure built in 1875-6, you will learn all about the Millikins! Founder of Millikin University and Millikin Bank, investors in small businesses and Mrs. Millikin especially invested time and funds into the arts.

The Lincoln Square Theater, 141 North Main Street– Open house and tours 11am to 1pm Donations accepted. The theater crew will share what updates have happened within the theater and what will be happening in the very near future!

The Staley Museum, 361 North College Noon to 4pm—The Staley Museum opens to the public, free admission with donations accepted. You will see the story of the beginning of the Chicago Bears & other sports legends, stories of the A.E. Staley manufacturing company and the Staley family. 217-422-1212

The Hieronymus Mueller Museum, 420 West Eldorado—1pm to 4pm. Free admission this day, with donations accepted. Explore how Mr. Mueller immigrated from Germany in the 1800s and, with the help of his family and the Decatur community, founded a nation-wide company that continues to impact the water and gas industries today! 217-423-6161

Macon County History Museum and Prairie Village, 5580 North Fork Rd (south of the airport)—Open House 1pm-4pm, donations accepted. Stop in and see numerous exhibits inside and visit the grounds which includes the Lincoln Courthouse and the new General Store exhibit. For more info call 217-422-4919

The Culver House, 412 West Prairie Ave—1pm to 3pm A special presentation at 2pm about Culver Granite and Marble Works. Learn some of the lore of the Culver family and see the first-floor renovations completed and now the volunteer committee is working to renovate the 2^nd floor of this gorgeous historic home. FREE donations accepted.

The Lincoln Square Theater, 141 North Main Street—2pm. A special showing of the new The Original Big Blue: The Life and Times of James Millikin, is a full-length documentary that talks about the life of James Millikin, Anna Millikin, and some of the early days of Decatur, Illinois. Tickets are $15 each and available only at the door. The doors will open 1:15pm.

Governor Richard J Oglesby Mansion and Museum, 421 West William St—Open 2pm to 4pm with docent guided tours. Gov Oglesby nominated Lincoln for President in Decatur and coined the phrase “Rail-splitter Candidate”. President Grant visited the mansion in 1880 and much of the original floor and woodwork remain in the home. The museum recently acquired the Governor’s original law desk and has several original Oglesby artifacts. Also, on display is one of the legendary Santa Anna prosthetic legs from the battle of Cerro Gordo! Free. Donations accepted

For more information about the event schedule, follow History of the Heartland on Facebook or text or call 217-791-1385.