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HISTORY TALKS

Each month, we welcome a speaker to the museum to present on various topics relating to Champaign County history.  This event takes place in our Community Room on the second floor of the Cattle Bank. We also stream the speaker series on Facebook Live. Join us in-person to meet the speaker and engage with questions, or watch from home! 

 

Seating is limited, so check back to this page periodically to reserve your ticket.  You can also sign up for our eNewsletter below to receive information on upcoming topics. 

 

 

Upcoming History Talks:

June 19th at 7pm @ Champaign Public Library

 

​Arguments for Learning: History of the College of Education at UIUC

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Through a narrative of the discipline of education at the University of Illinois, this study presents three general and interrelated themes. First, the academic field of education serves a critical role in the construction of democratic publics. It provides a close and tangible link between universities, their educational and research missions, and the public. Their work is on display in the work of hundreds of thousands public schools’ teachers across the nation. As a scholarly discipline, education has been inextricably linked to the fate of public schools, and as thus critical for the perpetuation of democratic life. However, not everyone can agree on just what constitutes “a democratic life.” The term is contested and colleges or schools of education are often the sites where that contest is carried out. The result is that the field of education is only partially in charge of its own destiny, and there are often strong differences over the direction it should take. There are many reasons for this, but the most interesting and the most informative are those differences that entail competing understandings and visions of education itself and of the role of schooling in liberal democracies.

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2025 History Talks​

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2024 History Talks​

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2023 History Talks​​

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2022 History Talks

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2021 History Talks​

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2019 History Talks​

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2018 History Talks

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2017 History Talks

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Past History Talks

Historic Rural Church Sites in Champaign County
01:04:57

Historic Rural Church Sites in Champaign County

Take a journey through our county with long-time board member Rick Williams as we join him in his exploration of rural churches in our community. In 2023, Mr. Williams set out to find every one of the more than 100 church sites shown on rural township plats in the Combined 1893, 1913, and 1929 Atlases of Champaign County. The goal of the project was to visit every site, research the histories of the existing structures (and their predecessors), and uncover the stories of those that have been lost to time.
The Story of the Punkin Vine
01:00:27

The Story of the Punkin Vine

Learn about the history in this month's history talk on the "Rantoul Shortline" created by Rantoul attorney Benjamin Gifford and completed in 1879 from West Lebanon, Indiana to LeRoy, Illinois. From its beginnings as a narrow-gauge railroad, to its control by Jay Gould's Wabash Railroad, and later owner Illinois Central, this east/west shortline which once traversed Champaign County has a colorful history that will be presented with dozens of historic images. Mike Sypult is a railroad historian from Rogers, Arkansas and serves as president of the Arkansas Boston Mountains Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society in Springdale. A native of Rogers, Mike is a graduate of Arkansas Tech University and Southwestern Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas. He taught at the University of Arkansas for 15 years and developed the Whistle Stops West Elderhostel program – Chicago, St. Louis and Kansas City by rail. Mike is a member of the National Railway Historical Society, the Railway & Locomotive Historical Society, the Kansas City Southern Historical Society, and the Heart of the Heartlands Railroad Museum. He also is founder and moderator of the Arkansas Railroad History and KCS Railway History Facebook pages. Mike frequently presents railroad history programs for museums around the Midwest, and other organizations. Mike and his wife Pam live in Rogers and have 5 adult children and 6 wonderful grandchildren.
The History of American Pies
01:28:45

The History of American Pies

Pies are as American as pizza is American: we took a great idea, adapted it to our needs, and ran with it. Our ancestors used what they had available locally and made the most from it. You might be thinking that pies are just for dessert, but for our American ancestors, they were often considered survival food. Sometimes, they ate pie for breakfast, lunch, and dinner for months at a time. Catherine Lambrecht, who achieved Grand Champion and Best of Show at the Lake County Fair for apple pie, presents the history of pies in America and our state. Join us for this special edition history talk made possible by the Illinois Humanities and their Road Scholars Speakers Bureau.
Memorial Stadium: The First 100 Years
01:22:26

Memorial Stadium: The First 100 Years

Join the Champaign County History Museum for our second history talk of 2025. We continue with sports history, exploring the history of the home of our Fighting Illini: Memorial Stadium. We welcomed authors Benjamin Bross and Kevin Hinders to learn about the creation of the Memorial Stadium and its evolution over the last century.
The Golden Age of Red
44:55

The Golden Age of Red

Join us for our first talk in 2025! Looking to celebrate the centennial anniversary of Memorial Stadium, we've welcomed Author/Historian Doug Villhard to speak on his recent novel on the story of our very own Galloping Ghost: Red Grange and his agent, C. C. Pyle.
John Gregory and the U of I
50:27

John Gregory and the U of I

Our last talk of 2024 delves into the story of the University of Illinois and its first president, John Milton Gregory. Join us as we welcome Ian Wang as he explores the formation of the University of Illinois and how Gregory's revolutionary approach to education shaped the institution. Learn about the Gregory's story and the formation of the first Art Museum at the U of I.
The Krebiozen Hoax: How A Mysterious Cancer Drug Shook Organized Medicine
01:06:39

The Krebiozen Hoax: How A Mysterious Cancer Drug Shook Organized Medicine

The brainchild of an obscure Yugoslav physician, Krebiozen emerged in 1951 as an alleged cancer treatment. Andrew Ivy, a University of Illinois vice president and a famed physiologist dubbed “the conscience of U.S. science,” wholeheartedly embraced Krebiozen. Ivy’s impeccable credentials and reputation immediately made the treatment seem like another midcentury medical miracle. But after years of controversy, the improbable saga ended with Krebiozen proved a sham, its inventor fleeing the country, and Ivy’s reputation and legacy in ruins. Matthew C. Ehrlich’s history of Krebiozen tells a quintessential story of quackery. Though most experts dismissed the treatment, it found passionate public support not only among cancer patients but also people in good health. The treatment’s rise and fall took place against the backdrop of America’s never-ending suspicion of educational, scientific, and medical expertise. But Ehrlich also examines why people readily believe misinformation and struggle to maintain hope in the face of grave threats to well-being. A dramatic account of fraud and misplaced trust, The Krebiozen Hoax shines a light on a forgotten medical scandal and its all-too-familiar relevance in the twenty-first century.
Mount Vernon United Methodist Church: Celebrating 150 Years of Service
01:26:09

Mount Vernon United Methodist Church: Celebrating 150 Years of Service

Join us for an exciting on-location history talk at the Mount Vernon United Methodist Church. Our speaker this month, Dan Sherman, shares the history of the church and congregation celebrating the 150th anniversary of their church building.
Homecoming: An Illinois Tradition
01:03:40

Homecoming: An Illinois Tradition

Join this history museum this month as we take a look at the history of homecoming at the University of Illinois with Ryan Ross. Learn about the traditions that have come and gone and how homecoming has changed over the last century!
Myra, IL The Story of a Family and a Community
01:01:05

Myra, IL The Story of a Family and a Community

The much anticipated second half of our history of Myra Station and its community! Join our Museum Manager Will Best as we continue to explore the history of the Silver Family and Myra Station. We recap the story of the Silver Family moving into the area and settling North of Philo, their history in the community and the early history of the station. We go into more depth about the community of Myra Station and its history in this talk.
Urbana Seminary at 20
52:13

Urbana Seminary at 20

Join us as we welcome the President of the Urbana Seminary, Dr. Ken Cuffey, to explore the history of their organization and celebrate its 20th anniversary. We had some minor technical issues while recording this talk and we lost about five minutes of footage.
Early Champaign County Baseball: Judge Ayers Bald Head Bobbling Along Between the Bases
01:20:04

Early Champaign County Baseball: Judge Ayers Bald Head Bobbling Along Between the Bases

Join the museum in welcoming Historian and Author Robert Sampson to discuss the early history of baseball in the Midwest. Learn about the beginnings of America's pastime, how the rules differed from today's game, and what it looked like in the state of Illinois.
The 100+ Year Ride Listening to Champaign County Radio
01:15:19

The 100+ Year Ride Listening to Champaign County Radio

Join us as we welcome "Mike in the Morning" Mike Haile as we explore the extensive history of radio in Champaign County and the stories behind some of your favorite on-air personalities!
Built Where Lincoln Slept: A Brief History of the Urbana-Lincoln Hotel
53:53

Built Where Lincoln Slept: A Brief History of the Urbana-Lincoln Hotel

Join the Champaign County History Museum as we invite local Author and Historian Brian Adams to explore the historic Lincoln Hotel designed by local architect Joseph William Royer through its construction and its integration into the Lincoln Square Mall.
Dottie Schroeder: Champaign County's All-American Baseball Player
01:11:30

Dottie Schroeder: Champaign County's All-American Baseball Player

Join the Champaign County History Museum this month as we welcome museum volunteer Anna Sielaff to present her research into the life and career of baseball icon Dorothy Schroeder. For the first time discover Dorothy's upbringing and her life outside of the diamond.
Myra, IL: The Silver Family Their Legacy and Their Tragedies
55:12

Myra, IL: The Silver Family Their Legacy and Their Tragedies

Join the Champaign County History Museum this month as our Museum Manager Will Best introduces his research into the unincorporated community of Myra, IL. Discover the untold stories of the Silver Family their tragedies and the history of Myra Station and its grain elevator.
Lincoln on the Verge: Thirteen Days to Washington
56:05

Lincoln on the Verge: Thirteen Days to Washington

Join the Champaign County History Museum for our last history talk of 2023 as we sit down with renowned author and Lincoln Scholar Professor Ted Widmer as he discusses his most recent publication on Lincoln's journey to the White House from Springfield, IL.
The 370th Infantry: Their Connection and Impact on Champaign County
01:07:35

The 370th Infantry: Their Connection and Impact on Champaign County

The Great Harris Mansion Heist: Robbery at Elmwood
42:14

The Great Harris Mansion Heist: Robbery at Elmwood

Join us for the conpansion History Talk to our 2019 exhibit "The Great Harris Mansion Heist". Champaign Police historian Zane Ziegler brings the story to life with recently uncovered police files and photographs that haven't been seen in 90 years. This brazen heist happened on November 9, 1929 during a post Illini game party hosted by Henry Harris at his manion Elmwood. The event happened just days after the the stock market crash in 1929 and marked an end to the opulent 20s and the opening days of the great depression. While the exhibit has closed, you can still visit a 3D version of the exhibit "The Great Harris Mansion Heist". Exhibit Page: https://www.champaigncountyhistory.org/heist 3D Experience: https://my.matterport.com/show/?m=zfXpcQuko4S
Dangerous Ideas on Campus - The Story of Leo Koch and Revilo Oliver
59:29

Dangerous Ideas on Campus - The Story of Leo Koch and Revilo Oliver

Join the Champaign County History Museum as we invite Professor Emeritus of Journalism at the University of Illinois Matthew Ehrlich to the stage to explore a fascinating look at academic freedom in the 1960s. The talk is based on Professor Ehlichs' book of the same title.
100th Years of the Samuel Busey Memorial Library
34:06

100th Years of the Samuel Busey Memorial Library

Take a look back at the creation of the Samuel Busey Memorial Library, also known as the Urbana Free Library. Former Museum Manager Tom Kuipers visited the topic as a graduate intern at the Champaign County Archives, before his time at the Champaign County History Museum.
Chick Sales Urbana's Leading Man
55:36

Chick Sales Urbana's Leading Man

This month's History Talk features our resident theater historian and Museum Vice President Perry Morris beginning a two-part series focusing on the Sale Family history. This month we are introduced to Urbana's Leading Man, Charles "Chick" Sale. Born in 1885 the son of Frank and Lillie Belle Sale. During the talk, we trace his path from the vaudeville stage to the movies of Hollywood. Perry will recount his upbringing in Urbana and focus on many of his leading and groundbreaking roles on the stage and silver screen.
Virginia Sale - Urbana's Hollywood Starlet
55:27

Virginia Sale - Urbana's Hollywood Starlet

This month's History Talk features our resident theater historian and Museum Vice President Perry Morris as he returns for part two of the Sale Family history. This month we are introduced to Urbana's Hollywood Starlet, Virginia Sale, the sister of Urbana's Leading Man Chick Sale. Virginia was born in Urbana in 1899, the daughter of Frank and Lillie Belle Sale. He followed her brother to the stage and became an acclaimed character actress in her own right. She was active on stage, in film and television, and on the radio for nearly 50 years. She is famous for her one-woman stage show "Americana Sketches". Perry will recount her upbringing in Urbana and focus on many of her leading and groundbreaking roles on the stage and silver screen.
Inspired by Two Remarkable Aunts - Nedra Weeks and Mary Lou Brown
47:12

Inspired by Two Remarkable Aunts - Nedra Weeks and Mary Lou Brown

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 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.
The Circuit of the 8th Judicial District Lincoln Markers

The Circuit of the 8th Judicial District Lincoln Markers

The 8th Circuit Marker project was initiated in a 1914 joint meeting of DAR chapters of C-U and Danville, at the home of our founding Regent Kate Baker Busey, and with the influence of Judge J.O. Cunningham, who already was a very old man by then. The Illinois State Organization of DAR (ISO DAR) took on the project, extending support through the Lincoln Circuit Marking Association, which was established for the purpose and functioning under the auspices of the ISO DAR. Markers were placed at the County Courthouses of what had been Lincoln's trail of the 8th Judicial Circuit, and similar guidepost markers were placed out in the hinterlands where his trail crossed from one county to the next. Lincoln traveled the judicial circuit as a lawyer, during which time he was honing skills that served him in meeting the challenges of his presidency. The markers were placed over a period of several years: an extant printed program for the marker dedications has 1922 ceremony dates for events around east and central Illinois. The Marking Association dissolved about a decade later, and the ISO DAR, with area chapters, continues to address historic preservation of the markers as interest and funding are available.
The Life of Abel Harwood
43:31

The Life of Abel Harwood

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.
William B McKinley and the Illinois Traction Railroad
01:02:56

William B McKinley and the Illinois Traction Railroad

Join the Champaign County History Museum as we step back to the age of electric interurbans. Illinois Traction Society President Dale Jenkins joins and explores the creation of the system by Champaign County native William B. McKinley as well as the fifty-plus-year history of the line.

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102 East University Avenue 
Champaign, IL 61820​

217-356-1010

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