The ISU Quad: Gateway to America 250 and the Wider World

Join the McLean County Museum of History for a fun and fact-filled stroll through Illinois State University's Quad on Saturday, August 1 from 10:30 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. You'll hear how one of the more picturesque spots in all Central Illinois speaks to the nation’s 250th anniversary. Yes, the Quad says a lot about the nation's promises, challenges, struggles, tragedies, and triumphs!
This walking tour, led by ISU Milner Library Government Documents Librarian Angela Bonnell and Museum Librarian Bill Kemp, will kick off at the Normal Theater. Following a brief presentation at the theater, participants will be led to the Quad where they will hear all about topics pertinent to America 250, including the lost natural environment, the removal of Indigenous peoples, the role of steam-powered railroads in the transformation of the landscape, racial segregation, and social movements. Other topics discussed during the leisurely walk will be Normal’s vibrant early Black community, the rise of women’s athletics, lost neighborhoods, Vietnam War protests, and the general weight of history!
This program is open to individuals who are 18 years of age or older. The cost per person is $28 for members of the Museum and $30 for the general public. The program will include boxed lunches from Green Top Grocery and bottled water. Parking will be available in any parking garage in Uptown Normal. For more information on parking, click here. Box lunch choices are: Turkey and Cheddar, Ham and Swiss, and Chickpea Sunflower Salad (vegetarian). Box lunches also include chips and whole fruit. The tour is limited to 30 people. Registration is due by Friday, July 17 at 5:00 p.m.
Please dress for the weather and wear good walking shoes. We will walk approximately one mile over a one-hour period, standing and stopping between various sites. The tour will begin and end at the Normal Theater (209 W. North Street). Lunch will immediately follow the tour.
Ticket sales will begin on June 22, 2026, and will be available for purchase on our website.
Questions? or for more information, contact the Education Department at education@mchistory.org or 309-827-0428.