McLean County Museum of History | Bloomington

The McLean County Museum of History is a premier cultural and educational institution located in downtown Bloomington, Illinois. It is dedicated to preserving, interpreting, and sharing the rich history of McLean County and the surrounding region. Housed in the historic 1904 McLean County Courthouse building, the museum combines architectural beauty with a wealth of historical artifacts, exhibits, and programs designed to engage visitors of all ages.

History and Building

The museum occupies the McLean County Courthouse, which was built in 1904 and served as the county’s judicial center until the 1970s.

The courthouse is an excellent example of Neoclassical Revival architecture, featuring grand columns, ornate stonework, and a commanding presence in the city’s downtown.

After the county government moved to a new location, the building was repurposed as a museum to safeguard local history and provide public access to McLean County’s cultural heritage.

Collections and Exhibits

The museum’s collection includes over 18,000 artifacts, photographs, documents, and objects that chronicle the region’s history from its earliest Native American inhabitants through settlement, agriculture, industry, and modern times.

Permanent Exhibits

Challenges, Choices, and Change: A 5,000-square-foot exhibit showcasing the lives of McLean County residents, their work, farms, communities, and social changes over time.

Abraham Lincoln in McLean County: Highlights Lincoln’s connection to the region, including his legal practice and political activity.

Courthouse Exhibit: Focuses on the history, architecture, and construction of the courthouse building itself.

Discovery Room: An interactive, hands-on exhibit designed for children and families to explore early settler life in the region.

Temporary and Special Exhibits
The museum hosts rotating special exhibits. For example, “A Deadly Deception: The Asbestos Tragedy in McLean County” is a recent exhibit detailing the environmental and health impact of asbestos manufacturing on the local community.

Merwin Gallery
Features nearly 300 objects from the permanent collection, rotated regularly to provide fresh perspectives and highlight different historical themes.

Research and Education

The museum operates the Stevenson-Ives Library and Benjamin Hoopes Family Archives, which offer extensive primary and secondary resources including manuscripts, family papers, newspapers, maps, photographs, and oral histories valuable for genealogical and historical research.

Educational programs cater to a wide audience, from school groups to adults, offering guided tours, workshops, lectures, and outreach activities.

Special initiatives include the Futures in History Camp, a hands-on history camp for youth, and Senior Reminiscence programs, which engage older adults in sharing and reflecting on their life stories using museum artifacts.

The Speakers Bureau connects local history experts with community groups to promote historical awareness and education.

Visitor Services

Hours: The museum is generally open Monday through Saturday, with extended hours on Tuesdays. It is closed on Sundays and major holidays.

Admission:

Adults pay a modest fee, while seniors, veterans, students, children, and many community groups enjoy free admission.

Admission is free for all visitors every Tuesday and during the Downtown Bloomington Farmers’ Market on Saturday mornings in the warmer months.

Gift Shop: The Cruisin' with Lincoln on 66 Visitor’s Center and Gift Shop is located on the ground floor, offering souvenirs, local crafts, and information on the area’s famous Route 66 and Abraham Lincoln heritage.

Accessibility: The museum is wheelchair accessible and offers resources to enhance visitor experience for people with disabilities.

Location and Parking

The museum is located at 200 North Main Street, Bloomington, Illinois, with the main entrance on Washington Street.

Nearby parking options include limited free street parking (90-minute limit) and the Lincoln Parking Deck, which offers affordable hourly rates.

Importance

The McLean County Museum of History plays a vital role in preserving local heritage, providing education, and fostering community identity. By combining historic architecture, a vast collection of artifacts, dynamic exhibits, and a variety of public programs, the museum offers a comprehensive and engaging window into the past and present of McLean County. It serves as a key resource for residents, researchers, and visitors interested in the stories that have shaped this central Illinois region.