November 20, 2025- The Governor Richard J. Oglesby Mansion and Museum will hold its November open house on Sunday, November 30, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. The mansion is located at 421 West William Street in the Millikin Heights historic district. A donation of $5 per adult and $2 per child is requested for entry. Visitors...

September 30, 2025- History of the Heartland will host its annual "Play Ball! Sports Card and Memorabilia Show" on Saturday, October 4, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Decatur Civic Center, located at 1 Gary Anderson Plaza, Decatur, IL. The event is free to attend and will feature dozens of vendor t...

September 8, 2025 - Dan Hardy has been honored with the 2025 David Freyling Community Impact Award. The David Freyling Community Impact annual award was created in memory of David Freyling. Freyling was a veteran and served his fellow veterans and community in many capacities until his death in 2018. "I am proud t...

August 12, 2024 - On Sunday September 7, Decatur will host the 17th annual "Cruise 11 to Remember 9-11" event. Decatur's Central Park is the location of the car and bike show with a DJ, food, and a remembrance cruise. Any vehicle may enter at the event. Cruise in registration begins at 8am on the West side of...

July 29, 2025 -The Governor Richard J. Oglesby Mansion & Museum has added a new attraction, a free little library. "The Governor had a great love of reading. Our board thought this free little library will be an appropriate way to honor him," said Dave Davis, President of the Board."Mrs. Carolyn Ogen...

July 14, 2025 - The Staley Museum will exhibit a Vintage Wedding Collection beginning July 19th, 2025 in collaboration with Theatre 7. The exhibit opens with a VIP 'First Look' at the items on display. The Staley Museum's 'First Look' on Saturday, July 19 will be both an exhibit opening & shopping experience. In c...

June 18, 2025 - Mueller Water Products has donated more than 10,000 antique records and historic objects to The Hieronymus Mueller Museum. Mueller has been doing business in Decatur, IL since 1857 when German immigrant and machinist, Hieronymus Mueller, first opened a gun and machine shop, which turned into a manufactu...

May 18, 2025 -This weekend, The History of the Heartland committee honored Lynn and Duane Potter for their 50 years of dedication to the revitalization, restoration, and preservation of Decatur. "The Potters are the gold standard as far as restoration and rehabilitation of homes in Decatur. We are proud to present...

May 12, 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 12, 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 Theate...