Small, volunteer operated museums are almost always the very best hidden gems!

Located on the third floor of the old city hall building on the corner of N. Main and Howard streets in downtown Pontiac. World War II veterans Dal Estes and Neil Bach founded the Livingston County War Museum in 2004. It serves as a living, hands-on museum to recognize the sacrifices and service of U. S. military veterans from Livingston County and central Illinois.

I interviewed David Estes. His father was one of the founders of the War museum. His mother Betty was the first tourism director for the city of Pontiac. Betty played a key role. According to her son, she was affectionately known as “Betty Boop.” She helped start the movement to save the old City Hall/Fire Station building. This building now houses the War Museum. It also hosts the Route 66 Museum and Visitor’s Center. There are exhibits on Life in the 1940’s. You can also find exhibits on Life on the Titanic. You can find Music of the Civil War and the Bob Waldmire Experience there as well.

David shared that the goal of the LCWM is to educate schools, civic groups, and the general public. It seeks to teach about the history of local veterans.

The museum collection includes over 280 full uniforms worn by men of Livingston County. These are displayed on mannequins.

The collection also features artifacts belonging to veterans from World War I to the current conflicts. Twenty of the uniforms include a QR code. These codes feature recordings and videos of the men who wore the uniforms.

This fascinating museum is staffed by passionate veteran and non-veteran volunteers. It receives funding and support from donations made by visitors, local businesses, and the Humiston and Byrne Trusts.

The museum is open year round, from 10 AM to 4 PM Monday-Saturday, and 12 PM to 4 PM Sunday. Admission is free. But, I strongly encourage you to make a donation. This will help these volunteers continue their work.

Visit!

https://www.livingstoncountywarmuseum.com

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Sources:

Pontiac is museum central in central Illinois

Oz on the Vermilion: How the Illinois Prison Town of Pontiac Became an Arts Center