Western Illinois Museum, Macomb

About Western Illinois Museum

Western Illinois Museum in Macomb invites visitors to explore regional history through collections of artifacts and changing exhibitions. The museum displays farm implements, barbed wire, pottery, musical instruments, animal traps, quilts, radios, and vinyl records that document life in West Central Illinois. Visitors encounter the preserved Mercer Eph's General Store and the Grote Hall archives alongside the Haeger Pottery collection with original ceramic samples. The museum hosts cultural events throughout the year, including the Al Sears Music Fest featuring performances by the WIU Jazz Studio Orchestra, State of Mind, The Zoë Rose Trio, and the Craig Russo Latin Jazz Project, along with dance instruction and community jam sessions. Rotating exhibitions such as Oakwood Cemetery: A Community Story showcase photographic documents illuminating local heritage and traditions. The museum welcomes school groups and clubs, with staff tailoring visits to match educational interests. Located one block south of Macomb's historic Courthouse Square, the museum provides free parking and full handicap accessibility.