May 5, 2026 – A new commemorative coin celebrating local history and education is now part of an ongoing preservation tradition in Decatur.
History of the Heartland has issued a limited-edition elongated coin honoring the 125th anniversary of Millikin Universityas part of its annual Historic Preservation Week activities.
Each coin comes packaged with a card highlighting the university’s history, which dates back to its founding in 1901. The university’s dedication in 1903 included a speech from President Theodore Roosevelt, and over the decades, Millikin has played a central role in the community as a cultural and educational hub. Today, it is known for strong programs in areas such as nursing, music, biology, business, and drama. In 2026, Dean Pribbenow was inaugurated as the university’s 17th president.
The commemorative coin features an image of the iconic Shilling Hall and marks the fifth release in an annual series highlighting historic Decatur landmarks. Previous coins have featured sites such as the Walrus Manufacturing building, the Staley Pump House, Fans Field, and a Wabash train.
As part of Historic Preservation Week, the coins will be given away free to the first 20 attendees at select events on May 16 and May 17. Event locations and schedules will be announced on the History of the Heartland Facebook page.
Organizers say the series is designed to highlight local history while encouraging community engagement and preservation awareness. The nonprofit continues its mission of preserving historic structures, homes, and local stories throughout the region.
