July 26, 2026 -Classic cars, motorcycles and community remembrance will come together in downtown Decatur as the 18th annual Cruise 11 to Remember 9-11 takes place Sunday, Sept. 13, at Central Park. The event features a car and bike show, live DJ, food vendors and a memorial cruise honoring the sacrifices of military m...

July 13, 2026 - Baseball fans can celebrate Decatur's rich baseball history during a special "Way Back Wednesday" event Wednesday evening at Millikin University's Workman Field before the Decatur Bean Ballers take on Lafayette. Hosted by History of the Heartland, activities begin when gates open at 5:30 p.m. ...

May 18, 2026 - The History of the Heartland will host its sixth annual Living Legends event on Thursday, May 21 in downtown Decatur, celebrating the legacy of St. Teresa High School football. The free public event will take place in the back room at Doherty's, with doors opening at 5:30 p.m. and the program beginning a...

May 14, 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 presentatio...

May 12, 2026 - History of the Heartland is giving local history enthusiasts the chance to own a miniature version of one of Decatur's most recognizable landmarks. As part of the organization's 7th annual Historic Preservation Week celebration, History of the Heartland is releasing a limited-edition HO scale model of th...

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...