Exhibits
Our museum highlights the people, places, and events that shaped Rantoul — from early settlement to Chanute AFB and beyond.
Current Exhibits
Exhibits evolve as new materials are collected. Below are key themes you can explore.
Railroad & Illinois Central
Exhibits on the railroad and its role in shaping Rantoul.
Chanute Air Force Base
The impact of Chanute AFB on the community and its legacy.
Everyday Life & Local History
Local businesses, schools, civic life, and family histories.
Museum Gallery
A selection of photographs from our museum collection. Click any image to view full size.
Recreation of a rural Illinois one-room schoolhouse.
Chanute AFB commemorative mug marking the base closure.
Railroad history display with I.C.R.R. signage and conductor artifacts.
Vintage horse-drawn plows and local history photographic wall.
Vintage Sandy the mechanical horse grocery store ride.
Antique wooden wall-mounted telephones with hand-crank magnetos.
Vintage print shop exhibit with a potbelly stove, evoking early Rantoul commercial life.