The Peoria Riverfront Museum debuts a new display Saturday. The Bicentennial Exhibit includes more than 200 objects.
State Senator Dave Koehler says it’s a good way for people in central Illinois to celebrate the 200th anniversary:
“It shows Illinois’ importance as a state; 200 years. But it shows Peoria’s role in that--and that’s pretty exciting. Look at all the things that have happened in Peoria as a part of that state history. You know, they got the old equipment that they discovered penicillin on,“ Koehler said.
Stewart Lanes is the head of the Illinois Bicentennial Commission. He says the Museum’s exhibit is a great piece the year-long celebration of the state’s 200th anniversary. “Our mission is to remind people why they are proud to be from Illinois and Illinois proud,” he said.
The ‘Celebrate Illinois: 200 Years in the Land of Lincoln’ exhibit features a collection of rare artifacts which belonged to several notable Illinoisans throughout the state’s history. The event is curated with the idea that “objects tell stories,” according to museum CEO John Morris.
The PRM’s bicentennial exhibit opens at 10:00 Saturday. It’s also family day the museum.