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This month, our intern Azaan Qureshi will examine the life and accomplishments of Abel Harwood, a Champaign County pioneer, and the correspondence that is in the CCHM’s collection relating to him. Harwood was noted for his efforts toward the first Illinois state constitution and as the owner of the famous Harwood-Solon House on State Street, Champaign. Azzan's temporary exhibit on Abel Harwood is available for viewing now in our lobby.

Museum Treasurer Delora Seibrecht celebrated Women's History Month with this special History Talk. Delora discusses the life of her two inspirational Aunts, Nedra Weeks and Mary Lou Brown. Aunt Nedra began her career as an Illinois Bell Telephone operator and rose to the top of the Illinois Bell system. Aunt Mary Lou was featured in our exhibit "When We Went to War" as being the first first female Western Union Telegraph Delivery Girl when her brothers went to war. She and her husband lived their life in Philo running the local Dog N. Subs. The talk focuses on the lives of these two women and women like them in a changing Champaign County. Delora touched on what has inspired her about these women and how their inspiration has impacted her and others in our communities.

This talk was given live on the Virginia Theatre stage on October 9, 2021 by T.J. Blakeman, Champaign County History Museum President, and Perry Morris, Vice President. First opened on December 28, 1921, the Virginia Theatre—listed on the National Registry of Historic Places—has long been Champaign County’s premier stand-alone theatre, evolving through the decades from silent to “talking” films and from vaudeville and (so-called) “legitimate” theatre to today’s live rock and country-music concerts, comedy, touring Broadway shows, and more. Presented by the Champaign Park District and the Champaign County History Museum.

Learn about the success of the Champaign County History Museum over the past year and hear the interesting story of the Harris Mansion Robbery that is...

On October 30, 1920, the University of Illinois classes of 1914 to 1921 came together to present their alma mater one of the most precious gifts it has...

Speaker series - David Anderson