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February – April Life in the 1800’s
African American: First Black Citizens’ displays and Feb. “Black History Month”
Italian Gallery: “Carnevale” - Festivals and costumes of Italy (click Italian page)
March: “Women’s History Month” – Six Gallery Honorees with displays thru April.
Open 2-4 p.m. Sundays, donations accepted
Tours may be scheduled during the week.
Call 815-962-7402
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Local history lives on
in a quaint home built in 1850 and known today as The Ethnic Heritage Museum . Here, you will
find six fascinating galleries devoted to the primary immigrant groups that
settled in southwest Rockford,
IL. African-American, Hispanic, Irish,
Italian, Lithuanian and Polish.
Through displays of
early Rockford's maps, everyday artifacts,
vintage clothing and more, visitors of all ages can learn about Old Worldcustoms and traditions. Historical photographs
tell the stories of the earliest settlers who established factories near the
old "waterpower district" and built their homes nearby. By comparing
early with current lifestyles, the museum strives to bridge the gap between
yesterday and today ... encouraging visitors to relive the past with a clear
focus on Rockford'sbright future.
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African American Gallery –Stop by to see the picture of Lewis Lemon.
He purchased his freedom by agreement from Germanicus Kentin 1834. Lewis Lemon School is named for this
man. A special Black History exhibit with artifacts on African American Life
post-Civil War will run during months of February and March. See African American Gallery page
for more details.
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Irish Gallery – This stone carved Nativity Set is representative of the prehistoric stone carvings found in many places in Ireland. Irish customs have their root in the time when the Gaelic Culture and religion of the country were being suppressed. Perhaps due to that, the customs have survived into modern times. A visitor to this gallery will see Waterford Crystal and Belleek Pottery.
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Italian Gallery –
Learn about Carnevale!
See beautiful Italian costumes typically worn during the 1800’s city-wide festival. This was an exciting time of daring, crowded streets filled with revelry, music and royalty hiding behind colorfully glorious masks! Masks purchased in Venice, the “Queen of the Adriatic” Learn why they call Carnevale the time when One becomes Any One! Legends of Puncinella and Harliquino come alive in the Italian Gallery!
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Lithuanian Gallery - Come and see a number of Amber (a type of resin plentiful in Lithuania ) items in different colors, not just gold. See miniature wood carved shrines which are representative of Lithuania. In the thirties and forties there were groups of Lithuanian businesses along Rockford’s South Main Corridor. The Lithuanian Cultural Society, which is now the Lithuanian Club, was at one time located just north of the Ethnic Heritage Museum. Hand woven sashes a must see in this gallery also.
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Hispanic Gallery – This Gallery offers authentic
costumes from several Hispanic countries. Observers can view the beautiful
“Hats” tapestry from Nicaragua donated by Mercedes Dewey, daughter of Constance Miller, a former Rockfordian.
There are many artifacts from Spain,
Costa Rica and Rockford area artists.
There are always seasonal changes within the gallery. This galley offers a
special treat to visit and enjoy the beautiful art work and vibrant tapestries.
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Polish Gallery - Stop by to see an amazing colorful print of Casimir Pulaski, a Polish hero and Father of the American Colony in the Revolutionary War. This picture shows him shot during the “Battle of Savannah.” There is also information on Thaddeus Kosciuszko, who fought to defend West Point during the Revolutionary War. A visitor can view a portrait of world famous pianist Ignace Jan Paderewski. Displays reveal woodworking artifacts, crystal ware, straw artistry, egg decorating, and paper cutting art work.
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Join us in the mission to "build our future from our past." Exciting building plans ahead!
Ethnic Heritage Museum
1129 S Main St
Rockford, IL
(815) 962-7402
Ethnic Heritage Museum P.O. Box 382,Rockford, Il 61105
Museum closed January 2010 for clean up and restoration projects.
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Hours Sundays 2:00 - 4:00 pm
Group tours arranged throughout the week upon
request
Admission: Adults $3:00 Children $1.00 (12 and under)
School groups
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