May 8, 2025 -The History of the Heartland has commissioned a limited-edition elongated coin commemorating the Wabash in Decatur. The Great Western Railroad reached Decatur from the west in 1855, connecting to Springfield and Jacksonville. In 1865 it became the Toledo & Wabash, and then in 1877 the Wabash Railroad. ...

May 6, 2025 - History of the Heartland and the Lincoln Square Theater are hosting an Open House at the Theater on Tuesday, May 13 from 5pm to 7pm. This will be the first in-person event during the annual Historic Preservation Week. Tourists will get a look at the renovations at Decatur's historic Lincoln Square Theater...

May 5, 2025 - The James Millikin Homestead has created a new art competition to honor local artist and lifelong Decatur resident, Lucien Kapp. The Lucien Kapp Art Competition will be an annual competition starting this Summer. Up to fourty adult entries will be accepted as well as up to 10 high school student entries w...

April 30, 2025 -History of the Heartland is sponsoring their annual History Showcase Saturday on Saturday, May 17th where the public is invited to visit the historical gems of Decatur. This event is part of the 6th annual Historic Preservation Week, sponsored by the historic preservation organization. Tourists will be...

April 6, 2025 - History of the Heartland is offering a scholarship to MacArthur High School seniors. The Doug Hagen Memorial Scholarship is an annual $500 scholarship created in memory of Loren Doug Hagen, a 1964 graduate of MacArthur High School. The scholarship is intended to promote community awareness and preserve ...

March 27, 2025 - The Governor Richard J. Oglesby Mansion and Museum, located at 421 West William Street, will host its first open house of the 2025 season on Sunday, March 30, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. A donation of $5 per adult and $2 per child is requested. Volunteers, including current and former board members, will pro...

January 1, 2025 - The James Millikin Homestead is hosting "Nativity at the Homestead," featuring nativty styles from the around the world. The event will be held January 4th and 5th from noon to 4pm and will feature a tour in the home with a variety of nativity styles ranging from vintage to modern- all loane...

November 25, 2024 - The Governor Richard J. Oglesby will host their annual Christmas Tea and Open House Tour on Sunday, December 1 from 1pm to 4pm. The public will be able to stroll the mansion with an informal tour and see the many decorations. There will also be tea, punch, coffee, and cookies available. Suggested ...

October 17, 2024 - History of the Heartland will host their 4th annual "Living Legends" event, honoring Macon County law enforcement heroes. The event will take place at Dohert's Pub (242 E William) on Saturday, October 19, from 4 pm to 6 pm, with doors opening at 3 pm. "The Living Legends series is a ve...

September 30, 2024 - The Governor Oglesby Mansion will host a History Comes Alive! event featuring Pulitzer Prize finalist Lincoln author, Ed Achorn on Friday, October 4 at 5pm. Achorn is the author of two critically acclaimed books about Abraham Lincoln, including his celebrated new book, The Lincoln Miracle: Inside t...