The Western Illinois Museum (WIM) joins the City of Macomb and Visit Unforgettable Forgottonia in a day-long celebration marking the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence on Saturday, July 4th.
As part of this historic anniversary, WIM invites community members of all ages to gather on Our Front Porch from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. for an afternoon of music, family activities, homemade pie, and a community reading of the Declaration of Independence.
The Declaration of Independence remains one of the nation's most influential documents, expressing ideals that have shaped American life for 250 years. Visitors are invited to reconnect with its words and meaning through a public reading and to share their own reflections on the anniversary by contributing to a community comment wall created for the occasion.
The celebration also features some of the traditions that have long been part of Independence Day gatherings. Guests can enjoy a pie walk to Stars & Stripes Forever, sample homemade pies made from treasured family recipes, and listen to patriotic favorites performed by a brass quintet made up of Western Illinois University music students Kasey Fink and Lauren Frost on trumpet, Brady Mitchell on trombone, Cora Waters-Trojniar on horn, and Logan Mitchell on tuba. Throughout the afternoon, visitors will have opportunities to visit with neighbors, enjoy refreshments, and celebrate this milestone in our nation's history.
Schedule of Events at WIM
1:00 p.m. – Community Reading of the Declaration of Independence and children's books inspired by the Declaration and Revolutionary War era 1:30 p.m. – Patriotic Music by a Brass Quintet of Western Illinois University Music Students 2:00 p.m. – Pie Walk 2:30 p.m. – Patriotic Music by a Brass Quintet of Western Illinois University Music Students Throughout the afternoon, pie will be served, and visitors are invited to add their thoughts and reflections to a community comment wall commemorating this anniversary.
The Western Illinois Museum events coincide with other events taking place throughout the day July 4.
9 a.m.: 'Looking for Lincoln' self-guided tour around the Courthouse Square and in the surrounding region.
11 a.m.: Unveiling of a new Abraham Lincoln statue on the southwest corner of the McDonough County Courthouse lawn, near the exact spot Lincoln spoke in the pouring rain in 1858 when he was stumping for the senate against Douglas.
11:30 a.m.: Macomb Murals self-guided tour. The map of the murals, which are located throughout Macomb, can be found at visitforgottonia.com/attractions.
1-4 p.m.: Museum celebration 4-8 p.m.: Macombopoly, the world's largest interactive monopoly experience around the Macomb Square.
7 p.m.: Gates open for the City of Macomb Fireworks/4th Celebration at Western Illinois University's Vince Grady Field, featuring the Macomb Municipal Band and more.
9 p.m/Dusk: Fireworks begin.
Family Activities at WIM
Children and families will find activities throughout the afternoon designed to explore the story of Independence Day in engaging and creative ways. Volunteers will read books inspired by the Declaration of Independence and the Revolutionary War era and lead hands-on activities, including making decorative ribbon pins. Through stories, crafts, and conversation, children of all ages can explore the ideas, values, and challenges that shaped the founding of the United States.
The program is made possible in part through support from the Illinois Arts Council.
The Western Illinois Museum is located at 201 South Lafayette Street, one block south of Macomb's Courthouse Square. The Museum is fully accessible, and free parking is available.
