“Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.”
Theodore Roosevelt
The state of museums
February 24th, 2010Were you at the Ball?
February 8th, 2010Guests dance night away Civil War style at President’s Ball
Posted: Feb 06, 2010 9:34 PM CST By Jeannie Hayes
ROCKFORD (WREX)- A big presidential bash takes over in Rockford.
It’s the annual President’s Ball. Guests showed up in full costume at Veteran’s Memorial Hall to pay tribute to the Civil War era. People dressed up as everyone from Mark Twain, to President Lincoln himself. “It allows me to sometimes correct history. People might have a misconception of what was going on during the 1860s,” said Lincoln Impersonator Max Daniels.
“For those who do have an interest in history, coming out to a re-enactment during the summer, or coming to an event like this in the winter, can really be an eye-opener,” said President’s Birthday Ball Co-Chair Dan Wykes.
The guests even got a quick dance lesson to make it even more authentic.
The ball was sponsored by Battery G, 2nd Illinois Light Artillery re enactors, and Veteran’s Memorial Hall.
http://www.wrex.com/global/story.asp?s=11946254
Happy Birthday to the USO
February 4th, 2010Today, February 4th, marks the 69th Birthday of the USO. Check out their site for the history of the organization. http://blog.uso.org/
Thank you volunteers!
January 25th, 2010We so appreciate our new volunteers: an intern, Brandyn, who will assist with registering our collection, and Robert, who will be adding photographs of the artifacts to our records. This dynamic duo joins Lauren, who has been involved here for over a year doing library registrations and as an exhibit preparator. Past volunteers include Sarah who has catalogued collections of books and Ricky who jumps in with maintenance needs at a moments notice.
President’s Ball at the Hall
January 7th, 2010Saturday, February 6, 2010 Veterans Memorial Hall will host the annual President’s Ball presented by Battery G, 2nd Illinois Light Artillery reenactors. The public is invited to join the dance from 7 to 10 pm, $10 per person.
While Civil War attire is encouraged, appropriate modern attire is fine. Historic Figures will be in attendance, so bring a camera. Live music by The Century Air Minstrels and basic dance instruction wil be provided. Light refreshments will be served.
Tuskegee Airmen Return to Rockford!
January 7th, 2010Save the Date – Saturday February 27 and Sunday February 28 Veterans Memorial Hall will again host veterans from the Chicago Chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen. Their first visit was in 2008 and were enthusiastically recieved by many in the community.
This is a rare opportunity to hear their personal stories and get information on their legacy, the Young Eagles program.
Honoring Veterans at all ages
December 11th, 2009We have received a wonderful request from “Elizabeth”, a student at a local school. She and fellow students are working to raise $20,000.00 to provide service dogs for disabled veterans.
If you can help, please mark your contributions ”Cherry Valley District 205″ – Patriot Paws, and send to Fifth Third Bank, 1111 S. Alpine Road, Rockford, IL 61108.
How lovely is it to see patriotism and respect at young ages!
Events
December 4th, 2009The Lincoln Lyceum is often used by a variety of organizations. Rent the hall for holiday parties, band or choral concerts (there are really GOOD accoustics), family celebrations, press conferences, symposiums and other uses.
Call Scott to make your arrangements.
Blood donations help Veterans
December 2nd, 2009The American Red Cross began as a relief effort to provide lifesaving plasma and blood for soldiers during World War II. Currently, they collect and distribute nearly half of the nation’s civilian blood supply, especially to many Veterans Affairs Hospitals. Veterans receive blood transfusions for cancer treatment, cardiac surgery and elective surgery.
On December 14 in Rockford, the Red Cross Rock River Chapter will host a blood drive from 9 am to 2 pm. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for veterans and patients.
In this season of thanks and gift giving, support a veteran by donating blood - the gift of life.
Veterans Day
November 11th, 2009Around here, it isn’t only November 11 that we appreciate the sacrifices offered by our “front line” towards the greater good.
It has been a great day here: the DAR event was well received; many families stopped by just to reflect; and a new exhibit is up in the Great Hall. This is a set of posters from the Abraham Lincoln Library depicting the propaganda that was used as a recruitment tool during World War II. The exhibit is owned by the Illinois Association of Museums and can be seen from now through January.