Boone County Museum of History -

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Boone County
Museum of History

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Currently On Exhibit

Military Exhibit

Boone County has been involved in nearly every Americna war. This exhibit tells the stories of Boone County residents who fought in wars from the Civil War forward.

Military Exhibit

Melvin and Mildred Banks Gallery

The exhibits include a dig-your-own fossil site, hands-on interactive learning drawers and the chance to see a real Wooly Mammoth thigh bone that was found in Boone County.

Melvin and Mildred Banks Gallery

Celebrating 50 Years of Judi Ford

Explore our new exhibit that dives into Judi’s life growing up in Belvidere as an expert gymnast, to her historic win, and her current life as a retired teacher and grandmother.

Celebrating 50 Years of Judi Ford

History of Farming in Boone County

Sowing Season features interactive elements for kids such as a farmers market, a cow that can be milked, and more! We can’t wait for you to see this exhibit!

History of Farming in Boone County

Who We Are

History

Starting in 1937, The Boone County Museum of History was first
organized by passionate citizens who saw the importance of
preserving our county’s history. In 1968, a building was purchased
to house the artifacts collected and display them to the public for
the first time.

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At The Museum

Mammoth Femur

This mammoth femur was found by Sue Lane in Poplar Grove in 1978. It is currently on display in the Natural History Exhibit.

Mammoth Femur

The Duxstad Log Cabin

The Duxstad Cabin was built in 1840 in Manchester Township. Before it was moved to the museum, the cabin was actually twice the size it is now. When it was moved, the part of the museum it is in was built around the cabin in order to fit it in its current home.

The Duxstad Log Cabin

Newton Academy Bell

The Newton Academy Bell is from 1842 and rang in Newton Academy when Arthur B. Fuller was in charge of the school.

Newton Academy Bell

1898 Cunningham Hearse

This is a typical example of a hearse from the late nineteenth century, the floor of this hearse has rollers to make loading and unloading coffins easier. It also has other devices to hold the coffin in place. Between the floor and the bottom is a hollow area that would be filled with ice to keep the body cool while transporting it to the gravesite.

1898 Cunningham Hearse

Leeds Cannon

Made from the brass of plantation bells in Louisiana, this cannon was made by the Leeds Foundry for the Confederate States in 1861. It was stored in Rock Island until 1916 when it was brought to Boone County and put on display in Big Thunder Park. In 1982, the Leeds Cannon was donated to the Boone County Historical Society.

Leeds Cannon

Chrysler Plymouth Fury

This Chrysler Plymouth Fury was the first car built at the Belvidere Chrysler Plant. It was built on July 7, 1965.

Chrysler Plymouth Fury

Become A Member Today!

Individual

Our Individual Membership is for individuals under 55 who would like to visit the museum and become members.

This membership covers a single individual.

$30.00 per year

Senior

Our Senior Membership is for individuals 55 or over who would like to visit the museum and become members.

This membership covers a single senior individual. $20.00 per year

$20.00 per year

Grandpass

Our GrandPass Membership is for Grandparents who would like to visit the museum with grandchildren and become members.

This membership covers a set of grandparents and all grandchildren.

$35.00 per year

Family

Our Family Membership is for parents with children who would like to visit the museum and become members.

This membership covers a set of parents and all children.

$50.00 per year

Business 1

Our Business 1 Membership is for businesses with 1-20 employees, 501-C3, and Churches.

$100.00 per year

Business 2

Our Business 2 membership is for businesses with more than 20 employees.

$250.00 PER YEAR

Lifetime

Our Lifetime Membership is for an individual who would like to become a friend of the museum for life.

This membership covers one individual their entire life.

Funderburg House Museum

The Funderburg House is Northern Illinois' newest historic house museum and event venue! Thanks to a generous donation from K-B Farms, Inc. the Boone County Historical Society are now stewards of the property.

Funderburg House Museum

Rentals

Whether you choose to take advantage of the modern gallery, or our beautiful rolling lawn to the east of the grounds, the museum provides a beautiful backdrop for weddings, meetings, bridal and baby showers, family picnics, and more!

Rentals

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