In the ILLINOIS RURAL HERITAGE MUSEUM visitors will experience rural Illinois farm life during the 1850 – 1950 period. The Foundation has purchased a museum site immediately north of the main entrance to the Fairgrounds and plans to lease the site to the Museum. Visitors will enter through a horse barn which was the source of power for farming during the late 1800’s. From the lobby, they move through rooms of a 1930’s farm house. The furnishings will be authentic for the time period, down to the calendar and pictures on the walls. From the house, guests enter a horse drawn equipment area, then onto a steam engine and threshing machine display. The visit will end in a gas engine tractor area. The exhibits will change as new items are added. Guests leave with an appreciation of early farming practices and our rural heritage.

                The current Board of Directors include Charles Greer, President, Irl Engelhardt, Chairman, Stuart Morgenstern, Vernon Mayer, Bill Jansen, Bill Riechmann, and the Board is pleased to announce southern Illinois native, Rodney Miller, CEO of McCormick Tractor as their latest Director.

                The Executive Board includes Sherry Schaefer (owner and editor of the Heritage Iron and Oliver Heritage Magazines), Darius Harms (Chairman of the Half Century of Progress Show in Rantoul, IL, and past president of the I & I Antique Tractor and Gas Engine Club, Penfield, IL), and Charles “Chuck” Hartke (retired IL Director of Agriculture and State Representative).

                Contact irhmuseum@gmail.com if you have questions or comments concerning the Museum.