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Connecting to our Past
Understanding our history is critical to navigating
our future. Through area museums and heritage
projects, you'll uncover our varied and rich history.
Champaign County African American Heritage Trail
Discover over 170 years of rich cultural history and building
community. Through Reconstruction and the Great Migration, the
Depression and two world wars, the Civil Rights era right up to
the present day, learn the powerful stories of African Americans
who directly shaped the place we call home. Interpretive signage
throughout the community educates and celebrates pivotal
people, places, and events. Stand where Frederick Douglass gave
his impassioned speech on " Self-Made Men " in Champaign at
what is now One Main Plaza. Celebrate 160 years of fellowship at
Bethel A.M.E. Church in Champaign, the first Black congregation
established in Champaign County. Learn about the history of
discrimination on the University of Illinois campus and the peaceful
demonstrations for equal rights that advocated for change.
Discover the rich history in Homer, east of Urbana, where African
Americans first settled after the Civil War, setting up education and
intellectual discourse as a cornerstone for generations to come.
With these stops and many more to come, you'll develop a further
understanding of the extensive and ongoing history of African
Americans in the community.
Champaign County History Museum
Named Illinois Association of Museums Small Museum of the
Year, this free, volunteer-run space has told the story of our
community for the past 50 years. Located in the oldest documented
commercial structure dating back to 1857, exhibits regularly
rotate, and have featured the Illinois Traction System, history of
the University of Illinois and key figures, mid-to-late 19th century
portraits, and a regular rotation of local artists.
Museum of the Grand Prairie
This free museum located at Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve
brings history to life. Engaging exhibits tied to Abraham Lincoln's
time in Champaign, blacksmithing, stories about the evolution of
home, an outdoor exhibit on endangered trees, and rotating exhibits
make this a space for all.
Monticello Railway Museum
Step into the past when you hop on a historic train at this volunteerrun
museum in Monticello. Special themed train rides (did
someone say trains and donuts?), vintage steam locomotives, and
a collection of over 70 trains will highlight the importance of this
mode of transportation to society while also providing a thrill for
our inner child. Don't miss their gift shop to bring home something
unique to those train lovers in your life.
Sousa Archives & Center for American Music
Celebrating America's local and national music history, this campus
stop located in the Harding Band Building features a rich collection
of music ephemera alongside special exhibits that are sure to
connect with music lovers of all kinds.
Frederick Douglass Sign at One Main Plaza
HERITAGE TRAIL
Museum of the Grand Prairie
Monticello Railway Museum
Ford County Historical Society
Local Historical Museums
Throughout the region, you'll find a rich history from the
formation of the Tuskegee Airmen at Chanute Field to Civil
War memorabilia and agricultural artifacts. Explore the
collections at the Rantoul Historical Society to explore their
history with a large collection from the former Air Force base.
At the Douglas County Museum, you'll discover a wide array
of artifacts that paint a picture of years past. Their engaging
events take a deeper dive into area history. In Paxton, the Ford
County Historical Society & Water Tower Museum has
engaging displays showcasing the area's history and once
you step into the historic water tower, many stories await you.
The Homer Historical Society has been instrumental in the
Champaign County African American Heritage Trail, with
rich history about the area displayed at their museum at Blair
Historical Farm.
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https://ccafricanamericanheritage.org/ http://www.rantoulhistoricalsociety.org/ http://www.douglascountymuseum.org/home.html https://sites.google.com/site/fordcountyhistoricalsociety/fchs-museum https://sites.google.com/site/fordcountyhistoricalsociety/fchs-museum https://homerhistorical.com/ https://ccafricanamericanheritage.org/ http://www.experiencecu.org

ExperienceGuide2023

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of ExperienceGuide2023