(To find information on a specific organization, click on "Index of members", or scroll down)

Birks Museum Gorin Hall, Millikin University 1184 West Main Street, Decatur, IL 62522 (217) 424-6337 A decorative arts museum with a strong emphasis on porcelain and glass, including paperweights, from Europe, China and the United States. Also included are furniture, textiles, and pottery. The collection dates from the 14th through the 20th century. Open seven days a week, 1-4 pm when the university is in session (September - April). Call for summer and holiday hours. http://www.millikin.edu/staley/Birks/

Gorin Hall was constructed in 1931 to house the Orville B. Gorin Library, and served that function until the 1978 opening of Staley Library. Birks Museum is housed in what was the tall-ceilinged reading room on the 2d floor.

Children's Museum of Illinois 55 South Country Club Road, Decatur IL 62521 (217) 423-KIDS (-5437) The Museum, where children play to learn and adults learn to play, was opened in 1995. Approximately 50,000 people visit the 20,000 sq. foot museum daily. Hours Labor Day to Memorial Day: Tues. - Fri. 9:30 a.m. 4:30 p.m. Sun 1-5 p.m. Summer: Mon.- Fri. 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. http://www.decaturnet.org/childmuseum/

Decatur Area Arts Council 145 North Main Street, Decatur, IL 62523 (217) 423- 3189 The Arts Council is a facilitator and catalyst for the arts, with the purpose of enhancing the quality of life in the community through education, classes, the Gallery & outreach activities. Open Mon. - Fri. 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. http://www.decaturarts.org/

Decatur Area Convention & Visitors Bureau 202 East North Street, Decatur, IL 62523 (217) 423- 7000; decatur@midwest.net The purpose of the Convention and Visitors Bureau is to increase hotel/motel occupancy through conventions, meetings, motor coach tours, festivals and events.  Free guides, maps & information are available. Open Mon. Fri. 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. http://www.decaturcvb.com/

Decatur Civil War Round Table 3 Sixth Drive, Decatur, IL 62521 (217) 423-4642 The Civil War Round Table meets for a dinner discussions monthly,  to generate interest in American History with a focus on the Civil War era.  The discussions examine the cause and lasting effects of that war. A different outside speaker/discussion leader with particular topical expertise is invited each month. Dinners:  the second Thursday of the month (except January and September) at the Maverick Steak House (3010 N. MLK Jr. Drive), at 6:15 p.m..  http://www.angelfire.com/il3/decaturcwroundtable/

---

Decatur Genealogical Society 356 North Main Street, Decatur, IL 62523 (217) 429-0135  The Decatur Genealogical Society, one of the oldest such societies in Illinois, maintains its own library which is considered to have the largest downstate collection of genealogical materials. Open Sat 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Sun 1 - 4 p.m., Mon. 10 a.m.- 6 p.m., Wed 10 a.m. - 4 p.m..

Decatur Municipal Band Comprised of students, dedicated amateurs, and music teachers, the Band has been entertaining Central Illinois residents for over 140 years, and will continue to serve for many more years. The Band, which celebrates its sesquicentennial in 2007 (it was founded on September 19th , 1857) provides summer concerts in the parks, marches in various parades, and performs a fall concert of more serious music.  http://www.ci.decatur.il.us/?/dpts/dpts_main.htm (link in left-hand column)

Decatur Park District 620 East Riverside, Decatur, IL 62521 (217) 422-5911  Established in 1924, the Park District manages and maintains a vast amount of property, including 46 parks, 15 nature areas, 63 baseball diamonds, 5 golf courses, 2 swimming pools, an equestrian center, a tennis complex, bike trails, and the Decatur Airport. http://www.decatur-parks.org/

Decatur Public Library 130 North Franklin Street, Decatur, IL 62523 (217) 424-2900  The Decatur Public Library, established in 1875, opened a new facility in late summer of 1999. Located in Downtown Decatur across from the Transfer House and Central Park, the Library has a reputation for quality of service. The Local History Room provides information nationally and internationally. Open all year Mon. - Fri. 9 a.m. -9 p.m., Sat 9 a.m. - 5:30 p.m., and from October through April, Sun 1 - 5 p.m. http://www.decatur.lib.il.us About the library's' Shilling Local History Room

Franklin Mall 304 S. Franklin St. Decatur, IL The structure that is now Franklin Mall was built in the 1920's as a car showroom. Then, Ralph Owen, father of the Mall's current president, used the building as a toy store warehouse until 1967, when it was converted to a mall with a brick "street" decorated with antiques and lined with 15 retail spaces.

Gallery 510 Arts Guild, Ltd. 510 West Decatur Street, Decatur, IL 62522 (217) 422-1509 A cooperative gallery established in 1991 to nourish an interest in the visual fine arts as a public service, to act as a source of cultural and historical enrichment to the community, and to offer art for sale by local artists. The Guild continues to enhance its neighborhood with restorations and remodeling. Gallery 510 is the newest (August 2001) member of the Heritage Network.  Open open Thursday through Sunday from 1 to 4 PM, with an "opening" the first Friday of each month from 5 to 7 PM.  http://www.gallery510.org

The Gallery 510 house was built in 1884 by John K. Warren, at age 33 Decatur's youngest mayor ever.  The David Shellabarger family (of Decatur's Shellabarger Mills) purchased the house in 1895 and it remained in their family until 1953.

Governor Oglesby Mansion 421 West William Street, Decatur, IL 62522 (217) 429-9422 The Italianate-style mansion, built in 1874, was the Decatur home of the family of Governor Richard J. Oglesby, three time governor of Illinois ( elected 1865, 1872, and 1885). This beautifully restored Victorian home, furnished with many Oglesby family pieces, appears as it was during Gov. Oglesby's residence. Open March - November, the last Sunday of the month, 2 - 4 p.m. http://www.fgi.net/~mccd/oglesby.htm

Greek Orthodox Church 570 North Union Street, Decatur, IL 62522 (217) 423-2740 Named for the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary, the Greek Orthodox Church is located in the Historic Downtown Area. A city-wide May festival and a Fall festival feature a live Greek band, Greek food & pastries, and Greek dancing. Contact person: Christine Kareotes.

Herald & Review 601 East William Street, Decatur, IL 62523 (217) 429-5151  Serving Central Illinois since 1873, the Herald & Review brings its readers the latest news, information and sports each day. The Herald & Review has an extensive library collection of historical photos and stories. Library services are available for a fee (421-6974). Open Mon. - Fri. 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. http://www.herald-review.com/

Hieronymus Mueller Museum 61 South Country Club Road, Decatur, IL 62521 (217) 423-6168 You cannot turn on your water faucet, go roller skating, get a drink at a public fountain, or drive your car without thinking about Hieronymus Mueller. In 1857, Mueller opened a gun repair shop on Decatur's West Main Street, and this grew into a national company that still makes fire hydrants and related "flow control" equipment. The Museum celebrates the company's products and its energetic founder, the man who in 1896 drove the first automobile ever seen in Decatur.  Hours April - September: Thurs. - Sun noon - 5 p.m. October - March: Fri. - Sun  1 - 4:00 p.m. http://www.cityofdecatur.com/mueller.htm

Historical & Architectural Sites Commission (HASC) Department of Community Development 1 Gary Anderson Plaza, Decatur, IL 62523 (217) 424-2786 HASC advises and makes recommendations to the Decatur City Council regarding restoration and preservation of historical and architectural sites and monuments in Decatur and Macon County.

Historic Decatur Foundation (HDF) 234 South College, Decatur, IL 62522 (217) 421-9000  The Historic Decatur Foundation strives to preserve the unique architectural heritage of Decatur by encouraging the preservation of historically or architecturally significant sites and structures, and increasing public awareness of their value to the community. Preservation of the Culver House is a current HDF project..

Carnegie Public Library, Decatur (emblematic of the not preserved)

James Millikin Homestead 125 North Pine Street, Decatur, IL 62522 (217) 422-9003 The Homestead was built in 1876 for banker and philanthropist James Millikin, founder of Millikin University. The Italianate mansion, restored to resemble its appearance when occupied by the Millikins, includes numerous original furnishings. Open March - October, Sat & Sun 2 - 4 p.m. http://www.millikin.edu/millikinhomestead/

Lincoln Square Theater 141 North Main Street, Decatur, IL 62523 (217) 422-1711  The Lincoln Square Theatre, built in 1916 as both a movie theater and performing arts center, is a classic American "Beaux Arts" theater with 1200 seats. Although currently under restoration, it continues to be used for musicals, concerts, movies, and other public and private functions. Lincoln Square Theatre is managed solely by volunteers, and profits from performances are used to restore and preserve the building Herald-Review archival photo

Macon County Conservation District 3939 Nearing Lane, Decatur, IL 62521 (217) 423-7708, Fax (217) 423-2837 (217) 422-1711 The Macon County Conservation District encompasses 3,000 acres containing trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding, as well as picnic, playgrounds and fishing areas. The 1,300 acre Rock Springs Center for Environmental Discovery offers interpretations of the natural & cultural heritage of the area. The 1860's Homestead Prairie Farm is located within the Rock Springs Center. Hours Rock Springs Center Mon. Sat 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Sun 1 - 4:30 p.m. Closed Easter & Christmas Homestead Prairie Farm June - Oct., Sat & Sun 1 - 4 p.m. About Rock Springs Center

---

Macon County Historical Society 5580 North Fork Road, Decatur IL 62521 (217) 422-4919 The Macon County Historical Society and Museum complex offers indoor and outdoor exhibits highlighting the history of Macon County and central Illinois. The exhibits include a Victorian home, the Lincoln County Courthouse built in 1830, a one room school house, and an 1860's home. Also worth a visit are the Lincoln Library and the gift shop. "Where past accomplishments become the dreams for tomorrow." Open Tues - Sun 1-4 p.m.

---

Macon-Piatt Regional Office of Education 1690 Houston Drive, Decatur IL 62526 (217) 872-3721  Fax (217) 872-0239 The Regional Office of Education oversees the educational programs of the two counties. Programs include annual safety inspections, teacher certification, a truancy prevention center, and alternative education programs. Charles A. Shonkwiler, Regional Superintendent. http://www.roe39.k12.il.us/

Mari-Mann Herb Farm  St. Louis Bridge Road, Decatur IL (217) 429-1404 Mari-Mann Herb Farm is one of the largest herb farms in the midwest. Walk among the herb beds, everlasting flowerbeds, formal garden and the new fairy garden. The Gingerbread House gift shop offers a wide variety of herb products such as their own Spoon Herbal Sauce, Mari-Dilly Dip Mix, herbal jellies and teas made right on the farm. Classes offered on homeopathy, gardening, crafting, basket weaving, healthy and gourmet cooking. Special events such as High Teas are some of the many "enlightening Thymes" to enjoy at Mari-Mann. Open Mon. -Sat., 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sun. noon to 5 p.m.  Call for programs and tours for groups.  http://www.marimann.com

---

Wabash #1189 locomotive

Monticello Railway Museum P.O. Box 401, Monticello, IL 61856 Exit 166 Off I-72 (217) 762-9011 (Sat & Sun); (800) 962-3396 (weekdays) The Railway Museum offers 50 minute round-trip rides using vintage diesels, coaches and cabooses. The mission of the museum is to collect, preserve, interpret and exhibit materials and artifacts relating to railroading, with emphasis on Central Illinois, and to operate a demonstration railroad for the education and enjoyment of the public.  When: May - October, Sat & Sun. Call for departure schedule. http://www.prairienet.org/mrm/homepage.html

Moweaqua Coal Mine Museum 129 South Main Street, Moweaqua, IL 62550 20 miles south of Decatur on Rt. 51 (217) 768-3019 or (217) 768-3475 Moweaqua Coal Mine Museum, founded in May 1986, is dedicated to the 54 miners lost in the December 24, 1932 disaster.  The Museum houses coal mining artifacts from the Moweaqua Coal Mine which ceased operations in 1935. Open Sat & Sun 1 - 4 p.m. beginning in October.  Summer hours are from 1 - 4 p.m.  Wednesday through Sunday.

Near West Restoration and Preservation Society (NWRAPS) 234 South College Street, Decatur IL 62522 (217) 424-9147 Centered in the west end of Decatur, NWRAPS seeks to help that area maintain its diverse character as a residential neighborhood, to promote efforts to maintain, beautify and preserve the neighborhood, and to promote the preservation of historic buildings within the area. Its garden graces the corner of Wood and Monroe streets. Meetings are held the third Tuesday of every month, at 7 pm, at the First Baptist Church on the corner of Prairie & Edward.

Richland Community College One College Park, Decatur IL 62521 (217) 872-7200  Fax (217) 875-2762 Founded in 1971, Richland Community College offers educational foundations in three ways: the first two years of a baccalaureate degree, technical/occupational career programs, and continuing non-credit education for area businesses and community members. http://www.richland.cc.il.us/

Scovill Zoo 71 South Country Club Road, Decatur IL 62521 (217) 421-7435  Fax 422-7330 From timber wolves to spider monkeys to pygmy goats: see and discover Scovill Zoo. Ride the Express Train, feed the goats in the petting area, visit the gift shop, and much more. Meet animals close up during special presentations. Hours Summer months: Every day, 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. Rest of year: Mon. - Fri.: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Sat & Sun: 10 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. http://www.decatur-parks.org/html/zoo.html

---

Stone Marketing Images, Inc. 1314 N. Main Street, Suite 206-208, Decatur IL 62526  217-875-2559/fax 233-0137 Contact person: Pam Stone Stone Marketing Images publishes Your Home Magazine, a quarterly home improvement guide that includes a "Your Old Home" section highlighting older homes in Decatur and surrounding areas. Stone Marketing Images is certified with the State of Illinois as an official Woman Owned Business.

This page was created (on June 14, 2000) and is maintained by Karin Borei, Chair of the Network's Publicity Committee
© Copyright of this and related pages belongs to The Heritage Network of Decatur - Macon County 2000+