McLean County Museum of History celebrating 4th of July with free admission

Posted on July 1, 2021

*The McLean County Museum of History is offering free admission on July 5. (Photo courtesy: WJBC/File)*

By Blake Haas

BLOOMINGTON – The McLean County Museum of History is celebrating Independence Day with free admission to the public.

Dr. Julie Emig, the Museum’s Executive Director, said there would also be a replica regimental flag for the 33rd Illinois Infantry Regiment on display under the Rotunda.

“We are the happy recipients of a replica of the Regimental Flag of the 33rd Illinois volunteer infantry. It is on loan from the Dr. Jo Ann Rayfield Archives at ISU. It’s just incredible.”

The flag is also known as the “Teacher’s Regiment” since the organization consisted mostly of students, faculty, and administrators at the University.

“It’s beautiful and big and blue, and the Rotunda in the museum is now so spectacular with the light renovations and then just to have these flags and other things that we’re planning to post throughout the year or hang throughout the year from the Rotunda. We’re pretty excited about displaying a lot of things in the community,” added Emig. “And July 4th is a great opportunity for that.”

*Dr. Julie Emig. (Photo courtesy: McLean County Museum of History/Facebook)*

Emig added that the museum is still adhering to social distancing, and those unvaccinated are required to wear a mask.

The museum offers free admission only on Monday, July 5th, from 9:00 a.m. to 5 p.m.

All exhibit galleries and the Cruisin’ with Lincoln on 66 Visitors Center will be open.

Blake Haas can be reached at [email protected].

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