About Memorial Hall

Memorial Hall is a living memorial to Veterans from all wars. It will serve as a constant reminder to the sacrifices given by brave men and women from Winnebago County, and a way for generations to remember and learn about their lives.

The Memorial Hall Dedication Plaque

This Memorial Hall, the first of it's kind in the United States dedicated to our veterans of all wars, was completed in the year 1903 with dedication ceremonies on june third of that year by our twenty - sixth president Theodore Roosevelt with these words: "No more fitting memorial could be erected to the men who fought, than a hall such as this..... a hall beautiful because of the uses to which it is consecrated"

Leah Nelson Joins the Veterans Memorial Hall Staff

Leah Nelson joined the staff at Memorial Hall on June 3rd as Curator. She holds a B.S. in Management Studies from Rockford College and was previously the Executive Director of the Erlander Home Museum here in Rockford.

Leah can also be found often at Midway Village Museum, where she is a part time interpreter and special event presenter. Her special interests in costuming and culture will serve Memorial Hall well.

Her responsibilities are to initiate a cataloging system for the artifacts while establishing policies and procedures for the preservation and conservation of the varied collections as well as the distinctive historic facility.

Additionally, she will develop a volunteer corps and educational programs.