Fundraising Goal Progress

Phase 1 Goal $915 K

91%

$835,000 raised

Donate to Capital Campaign

What's included in this Phase 1 project?

• New entrance and vestibule addition to existing structure.
• Relocation of Research Library to second floor.
• Creation of a defined Museum Visitor Reception Area.
• Relocation of Collections Management Workspace to second floor
• Expansion and optimization of existing exhibit space.
• Enhancements to exterior of existing building and grounds
• New windows and doors
• Program/Meeting Room Addition

The immediate goal is to begin Phase I in the spring of 2024. We have collected $835,000 of the $915,000 required and we need your help to put us “over the top”!

​Donate today and join us in creating a museum that will inform and inspire generations to come!

What's included in Phase 2/3?

• Addition of Industry and Agriculture Exhibit Gallery
• Multi-Purpose/ Theater/ Exhibit Room Addition
• Exterior improvements include enhancement of the street entrance, driveway expansion, enlarged parking area, and new landscape.
• Additional restroom facilities

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Project Cost

Phase 1  $915,000
Phase 2  $1,485,000
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Total       $2,400,000     

Timeline of Museum Expansion Project

2017 Board of Trustees commissioned assessments of the museum's use of space. Top concerns revealed only 25% of artifacts displayed; storage and preservation of artifacts must improve.

2018 Proposed redesign and expansion developed.

2019 Redesign and expansion approved and endorsed by Champaign County Commissioners; applied to State for capital improvement grant.

2020 State grant awarded contingent upon raising matching funds.

2021 Facility study undertaken.

2022 Formal Capital Campaign launched. 

2023 Phase 1 Construction Project Scope Defined 

Why Help?

Expand Display Space

Serve Champaign County

• Collect, preserve, & interpret local history.
• Support 5 county school districts and home schoolers.
• Collaborate with community organizations: DAR, Scouts, Chamber of Commerce, etc.

Comply with Building & Safety Codes

• Internal
• External

 Support Museum Accreditation

Accommodate More Programming
Lack of space has limited growth as evidenced by sold out programs and events.

• Antiques Appraisal Fair
  
• Barn Painting Demonstration
• History of Jazz
• 1950 National Plowing Contest
• Speakers: Dick Hatfield, Music Historian & Mike Major, renowned sculptor.

The museum represents and promotes Champaign County's rich history in agriculture, industry, education and the arts.

We invite you to be part of our journey!

Thank you to Park National Bank

Pictured from left are Zac McPherson, Community Relations, Park National, Ken Wright, Treasurer, CCHS, John Brown, Regional President, Park National, and Dan Walter, CCHS Campaign Chairman.

Park National Bank has donated $5,000, the first installment of a $15,000 pledge, to the Champaign County Historical Society’s Capital Campaign for museum modernization and expansion. Phase 1 of the project is being finalized anticipating groundbreaking later this year. 

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Thank you to Farmers & Merchants State Bank

Brett Baumeister (left), Regional President, presents a check to Dan Walter, Campaign Chairman. Also pictured (L-R) are Nick Redavide, Business Development Officer, F&M, Brad Millice, Commercial Lender, F&M, Ken Wright, Treasurer, CCHS, Michael Nitchman, Home Loan Originator, F&M, Eric Warrick, Regional Community Relationship Banker, F&M.

Farmers & Merchants State Bank has donated $5,000, in addition to their $2,000 donation made in 2022, to the Champaign County Historical Society’s Capital Campaign for museum modernization and expansion.  Phase 1 of the project is being finalized anticipating groundbreaking later this year.

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Thank you to The Peoples Savings Bank

The Peoples Savings Bank has donated $10,000 to the Champaign County Historical Society’s Capital Campaign for museum modernization and expansion. Phase 1 of the project is being finalized anticipating groundbreaking later this year.