This is a pivotal moment for the Western Illinois Museum. On May 4th the museum marked its 45th year and received two gifts that are worth celebrating. The museum received a bequest from the Gil Belles estate and the Macomb City Council transferred the ownership of the building at 201 South Lafayette Street to the museum.
This is truly a success story that should be celebrated. The story starts with a building that is underused and in need of repair, some would call it an eyesore to the community. A group of forward-thinking community members only saw potential. When a local museum was faced with the threat of being closed and its collection being lost they found a solution in this centrally located property with a unique history. As the new not-for-profit organization was formed, volunteers were rallied. In January of 2000, the City of Macomb purchased the building, formerly an automobile garage and showroom, with funds raised from the community by the newly formed board of directors for the new home of the Western Illinois Museum. The Macomb Area Convention and Visitor’s Bureau also contributed grant funds they received to develop the site as an attraction. The title of the property was placed in the city’s name. The plan was to provide a home for the museum and its collection as well as offices for the MACVB in the building. Everyone involved hoped to grow the museum into a sustainable organization and an asset for the region. With the ongoing work of the partners, this is now being realized.
In the last 19 years, the building has become a hub of activity where we continue to learn, and celebrate those who built our community and their accomplishments. The MACVB runs a visitors center, holds meetings, and has its offices. The McDonough County Genealogical Society’s research center uses its space in the building to offer a wealth of information about the people who lived in our region. Not bad for a dilapidated car garage.
With the financial support of the community, the Western Illinois Museum’s investment in the building has been substantial. As the owner of the building, the museum will strive to ensure the same collaborative approach. Gill Belles would be proud. He was one of the museum’s founders and a key person in relocating the museum to the building. His generous bequest to the museum helps provide the funds for the museum to make the next twenty years just as successful and exciting as the first twenty.