WI Museum & Genealogical Society Open House/Ice Cream Social June 20
The Western Illinois Museum (WIM) and the McDonough County Genealogical Society invite the public to an Open House Ice Cream Social from 2-4 p.m., Saturday, June 20, at the Western Illinois Museum, 201 S. Lafayette St. in downtown Macomb.
The afternoon will celebrate the organizations’ ongoing collaboration and shared commitment to preserving and sharing the stories of McDonough County and the surrounding region.
Guests can enjoy ice cream, hear live music by guitarist Dan Eilers, explore local history resources, tour the building, meet volunteers and staff and learn more about the many ways the two organizations work together to make local history accessible and engaging for the community. A suggested $5 donation will be accepted at the door.
The two organizations are housed in a 100-yearold building that has been shaped by change and holds a history of its own. Originally home to a carriage business and later an automobile showroom designed to display the innovative Ford Model T, it is now a place for showcasing the forward-thinking work of the McDonough County Genealogical Society and WIM.
Working side by side, the Genealogical Society and WIM bring together family history research, regional archives, exhibitions, educational programs, and public conversations that connect personal stories to larger historical narratives.
While each organization has a distinct mission, both share a belief that preserving and sharing local history strengthens community understanding and creates meaningful connections across generations.
Visitors to the open house will have the opportunity to explore the organization’s extensive historical resources, learn about research services, volunteer opportunities, exhibits, educational programming, and the many ways this building serves as a welcoming downtown gathering place.
Together, the organizations are reimagining the building not simply as a museum or archive, but as a collaborative history hub where public history and personal history meet.
For more information, contact the Western Illinois Museum at 309-837-2750 or visit Western Illinois Museum. The building is fully accessible and free parking is available.
About the McDonough County Genealogical Research Center Founded as a 501c3 organization in 1979, the McDonough County Genealogical Society is dedicated to tracing family histories and preserving records for future generations. Today, the organization includes more than 200 members and maintains a research library of over 1,000 volumes and archival resources focused on McDonough County and surrounding communities. The Society works to preserve ancestral records, support genealogical and historical research, safeguard historically significant documents, and make local history resources accessible for public education and community use.
Visit mcdcgs.com for more information on MCGS.
About the Western Illinois Museum The Museum is a nonprofit organization dedicated to celebrating and preserving the history, culture, and traditions of McDonough County, serving as a community hub for exhibits, lectures, music, and public programs. For a full schedule of events, visit wimuseum.org or follow @ wimuseum on social media. For more information, call 309-837-2750, text 309837-2613, or email [email protected].
