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 activitie...

May 3, 2026 - History of the Heartland is inviting the community to explore the beauty and history of local churches during its annual Stained Glass Stories event on Sunday, May 17 in Decatur. The free, self-guided tour will run from 1 to 4 p.m., featuring four historic downtown churches known for their stunning staine...

April 30, 2026 - History of the Heartland is inviting the community to celebrate local heritage during its 7th annual Historic Preservation Week, set for May 16th through the 22nd in Decatur. The week-long series highlights the organization's mission of preserving historic structures, homes, and the stories of the peop...

March 31, 2026- The Governor Richard J. Oglesby Mansion will host its annual educational play for fifth grade students from April 27 through May 1, 2026. This year's production, "Grant Visits the Oglesbys," focuses on President Ulysses S. Grant's 1880 visit to Decatur. The program invites area students to tou...

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...