November 28th, 2017

      It is unfortunate that our request for public support failed to convince the residents of Champaign County to pass the 0.3 mil tax levy we placed upon the ballot this month.
​     The levy committee started work in August.  Supporters contributed campaign funding which was gratefully received and judiciously budgeted.  Flyers and brochures were printed and distributed.  Over 300 yard signs were strategically placed throughout the county.  Townships and Villages were particularly emphasized.
​      Volunteers marched, spoke at county events and to service clubs, wrote letters of support, posted messages on social media, and spent hours spreading the word of our need for funding to hire staff in order to open our museum to the public throughout the week and to expand our school programs and educational outreach.
​      Yet despite all of the hard work, direct approaches, positive feedback, and finally finger-crossing it was not enough.  48% voted in favor, 52% against.
​       We will continue to collect, display and interpret the artifacts of Champaign County as we have for 83 years -- through the generosity of our volunteers and donors, we simply will not be able to expand our hours, or our educational outreach.