Listen to Oral History

Macomb's Courthouse Square

The Western Illinois Museum will begin collecting the stories that are an integral part of our local history. In conjunction with the upcoming exhibit, Courthouse Square Project: History in the Making, the museum is creating a collection of digitally recorded stories and memories about the social customs, businesses, rivalries, politics, and traditions related to Macomb’s Courthouse Square. Recording oral history captures an individual’s experiences which in turn inform the collective history of the region. This is a unique opportunity for the community to participate in the important work of preserving the history of the region.

Listen to samples of oral history recorded in March 2010 by Tweed Mummert:

Working in a grocery store on the square.

Music played on the Zahren Building's rooftop garden.