First Friday: First Fright @ The Museum

The Museum and its Cruisin’ with Lincoln on 66 Visitors Center & Gift Shop will be open and FREE Friday, October 3, from 5 to 8 p.m. for the First Friday festivities happening in Downtown Bloomington. We’ll have a hands-on activity which includes a free cookie and ties into our newest display, Mourning in McLean.

Mourning in McLean explores perceptions of death, ritualistic practices, and customary expressions of grief in Central Illinois from the mid-19th century to the early 20th century. Uniquely positioned on three floors of the Museum, Mourning in McLean features rarely seen objects and archival material exploring topics such as post-mortem photography, hairwork, monument makers, cemeteries, and mourning attire. It will be on display until November 21, 2025.

Mourning in McLean is presented by Pontiac Granite Co., with major support from East Lawn Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens, and additional contributions provided by Evergreen Memorial Cemetery and Kibler-Brady-Ruestman Memorial Home.