May 11, 2026 – History of the Heartland is inviting the public to explore Decatur’s rich history during its annual History Showcase Saturday event on May 16.
The event is part of the organization’s 7th annual Historic Preservation Week and will feature open houses, guided tours, museum exhibits, and special presentations at historic locations across the city.
Organizers say the showcase was created to highlight the many historic venues and stories that make Decatur unique.
“Decatur is rich with historic people, homes, businesses, Lincoln lore and more,” said History of the Heartland founder Ayn Owens. “Each site is a gem in our community with a story or several to tell.”
New this year, free trolley rides will transport visitors between participating downtown venues.
Sites participating in the event include Millikin University, the James Millikin Homestead, Lincoln Square Theater, the Staley Museum, Hieronymus Mueller Museum, the Macon County History Museum and Prairie Village, the Culver House, and the Governor Richard J. Oglesby Mansion and Museum.
Millikin University is participating in Historic Preservation Week for the first time as the school celebrates its 125th anniversary. Visitors will be able to tour Shilling Hall and Gorin Hall during a free open house.
A special screening of “The Original Big Blue: The Life and Times of James Millikin” will also be held Saturday afternoon at Lincoln Square Theater. The documentary explores the lives of James and Anna Millikin and the early history of Decatur.
Most venues are free to attend, although donations are encouraged at several locations. Organizers say the event offers residents and visitors an opportunity to learn more about the people and places that shaped Decatur and Macon County.
Additional event details and schedules can be found through History of the Heartland’s Facebook page.
Full Schedule:
Millikin University, 1184 West Main St—11am to 1pm Millikin celebrates their 125th year with their first participation in Historic Preservation Week. Open House in the Iconic Shilling Hall and Gorin Hall. Gorin is the former library of the University. Visitors will be greeted with information about each and it is a self-guided tour. This event is free.
James Millikin Homestead, 125 North Pine St—Open house and tours 11am to 1pm Donations accepted. During your tour of this West Side treasure built in 1875-6, you will learn all about the founder of Millikin University and Millikin Bank.
The Lincoln Square Theater, 141 North Main Street– Open house and tours 11am to 1pm Donations accepted. The theater crew will share what updates have happened within the theater and what will be happening in the very near future.
The Staley Museum, 361 North College Noon to 4pm—The Staley Museum opens to the public, free admission with donations accepted. You will see the story of the beginning of the Chicago Bears & other sports legends, stories of the A.E. Staley manufacturing company and the Staley family.
The Hieronymus Mueller Museum, 420 West Eldorado—1pm to 4pm. Free admission this day, with donations accepted. Explore how Mr. Mueller immigrated from Germany in the 1800s and, with the help of his family and the Decatur community, founded a nation-wide company that continues to impact the water and gas industries today.
Macon County History Museum and Prairie Village, 5580 North Fork Rd (south of the airport)—Open House 1pm-4pm, donations accepted. Stop in and see numerous exhibits inside and visit the grounds which includes the Lincoln Courthouse and the new General Store exhibit.
The Culver House, 412 West Prairie Ave—1pm to 3pm A special presentation at 2pm about Culver Granite and Marble Works. Learn some of the lore of the Culver family and see the first-floor renovations completed and now the volunteer committee is working to renovate the 2nd floor of this gorgeous historic home. FREE donations accepted.
The Lincoln Square Theater, 141 North Main Street—2pm. A special showing of the new The Original Big Blue: The Life and Times of James Millikin, is a full-length documentary that talks about the life of James Millikin, Anna Millikin, and some of the early days of Decatur, Illinois. Tickets are $15 each and available only at the door. The doors will open 1:15pm.
Governor Richard J Oglesby Mansion and Museum, 421 West William St—Open 2pm to 4pm with docent guided tours. Gov Oglesby nominated Lincoln for President in Decatur and coined the phrase “Rail-splitter Candidate”. President Grant visited the mansion in 1880 and much of the original floor and woodwork remain in the home. The museum recently acquired the Governor’s original law desk and has several original Oglesby artifacts. Also, on display is one of the legendary Santa Anna prosthetic legs from the battle of Cerro Gordo. Free. Donations accepted
