Honoring Our History

Join us as local history lives on in a quaint home built in the 1850's. Known today as The Ethnic Heritage Museum it is here that you will find six fascinating galleries devoted to the primary immigrant groups that settled in southwest Rockford, African-American, Hispanic, Irish, Italian, Lithuanian and Polish.
Through displays of early Rockford area maps, everyday artifacts, vintage clothing and more, visitors of all ages can learn about Old World customs 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's bright future.
 
Follow the buzz and keep up with what's going on with us! Click here to view our In the News section to read the latest!
 
Tours may be scheduled during the week. Call us at (815) 962-7402 for more information!
 
Would you like to learn more about how you can help the Ethnic Heritage Museum? Visit our Contribution section by clicking here! For questions or further information please contact us online at ehm1129@comcast.net
 
 
Special Featured Exhibit Sundays Open 2-4 p.m. Week Day Tours scheduled by calling 815 962-7402
African American Gallery Highlighting the Career of local music legend James "Preacher" Thomas
Italian Gallery exhibits "Italian Linens and Wedding Dresses"
Irish Gallery Irish Heritage Roots of Diocese Bishop David J. Malloy and Prior Diocese Bishops
Polish Gallery celebration of Pope John Paul II with memorabilia
Gallery Program Sundays 2-4 p.m.
Sunday, June 8 Irish Gallery Man of the Year 2014 Walt Boothe
Sunday, June 22 African American Gallery String Music- Legend James "Preacher" Thomas
Sunday, July 13 Italian Gallery Man of the Year Sam Oliveri
Sunday, July 20 Polish Gallery Man of the Year Tomasz Sas-St. Stanislaus Artistic Program
Sunday, July 27 Hispanic Gallery Father of the Year Ricardo Oceguera