The grand opening of the newly completed Allscheid-Metzger Gallery was celebrated with a ribbon cutting on July 18, 2015. Funding for the gallery featuring the Allscheid Rock Shelter diorama and exhibit was provided through the generosity of Melvin & Jackie Allscheid and Bob & Sheryl Metzger. Artifacts on display in the gallery include a black 1917 Chevrolet Model D V-8 touring car, a bedroom set that once graced the Illinois Governor’s Mansion, artifacts from Colonel Edd and Violet Kueker’s collection of bygone eras and donated artifacts that have never been seen due to lack of space.
The History Museum opened October 25, 2008 with the Kueker Gallery, Luhr Lobby and HTC Learning Center. In 2010 the Zimmer Gallery opened through funding provided by the Wm. Zimmer Foundation. The museum, a treasure trove of historic and archaeological artifacts, offers a look at the past through a variety of permanent displays, periodically changing exhibits and unique antiques representing a broad span of eras and interests. The museum’s donated exhibits represent local commerce, agriculture, transportation, military life during several wars, the settlement of the west and much more. History is the launch pad for the future!
Our current rotating exhibit, “Wheels and Deals”, consists of various and sundry forms of transportation – trains, planes, automobiles and the famous gifted Kueker wagons (Wheels) and international currency (Deals). The exhibit will remain on display as it will complement the History Museum’s displays for the Monroe County Bi-Centennial beginning January 2016.
The Allscheid-Metzger Gallery is now the home for the History Museum’s program and presentation area, complete with comfortable seating. (The Wilderness rock band will be performing at the Waterloo VFW.)
