McLean County Museum

I think one thing that really stuck out to me after going through the museum was how connected McLean County was to the history of the country at large. I entered the museum with no knowledge whatsoever of the history of the county, so everything I saw there tended to be a revelation, but I walked away surprised at how integrated the county really was into the nation at large. I suppose my own impression was that a podunk part of the state, and country, like this would have only displays on the history of corn to show off. Instead, there was plenty on display that was of some significance and interest. I think my favorite had to be the the display on Lincoln, I had no idea the Republican party was launched from McLean County. I was particularly interested to see how there really wouldn't be any history of note without politics. The political process seemed to drive the major events in McLean County's past, such as Lincoln's encounters with the county and the precedent-setting court cases. I think I've been convinced that it is important to be at least a little knowledgeable about where they live. I refuse to say it's essential, because it isn't. I survived without any knowledge of McLean County beyond corn, but in the interest of not being a complete ignoramus some history is important.