The Peoria Riverfront Museum is celebrating a $1 million philanthropic gift for performance opportunities, and the addition of another rare historical American document to its permanent collection.
The unveiling of an original 1833 printing of the Declaration of Independence highlighted this week’s State of the Museum presentation. President and CEO John Morris said the framed piece further enhances the museum's existing displays marking the nation’s milestone birthday this year.
“Some of you may have noticed that for the last four years or so, we’ve had a lot of enthusiasm around America’s semiquincentennial,” said Morris. “In fact, I’m going to go out on the line and say there is no community with more enthusiasm for America’s 250th anniversary of its Declaration of Independence than Greater Peoria.”
The Promise of Liberty exhibition, guest curated by acclaimed documentarian Ken Burns, is one of eight America 250-themed exhibits currently on display. Additionally, the museum is representing Illinois at the Great American State Fair that kicked off Thursday in Washington, D.C.
The 1833 printing of the Declaration of Independence was crafted by famous Washington printer William Stone, who spent three years [1820-23] making a copper engraving of the original document.
The museum’s version, printed from those plates, was added to the permanent collection through the support of donors Doug and Diane Oberhelman, who joined board member Jeff Swank on stage for the unveiling.
The long-term plans for the document call for using it in conjunction with the museum’s programming centered around Abraham Lincoln.
“Lincoln quoted this document more than any other president in history, and Lincoln quoted this document right here in Peoria,” said Morris.
Another highlight of the 2026 State of the Museum program was the announcement of the $1 million donation from Linda Beth and Ed Sutkowski in support of “MUSEUM+,” an initiative aimed at attracting performances to elevate the museum's standing as a cultural institution.
University of Illinois music professors and Lyric Theater co-directors Julie and Nathan Gunn have been appointed, respectively, as the program’s director and artist-in-residence.
Also, Derek Schryer was chosen as the new chairman of the museum’s board of directors, replacing outgoing chair Todd Baker. Schryer leads a new slate of board officers, with Sid Ruckreigel as vice chairman, Karen Jensen as treasurer, and Gretchen Hagen Petrakis as secretary.
Prior to the presentation, the board approved a $7.3 million operating budget for the upcoming year.
