Please “like” our new Facebook page at “C.H. Moore Homestead & DeWitt County Museum” and also our new festival page at “Official Apple ‘n Pork Festival!”
Welcome to the C.H. Moore Homestead & DeWitt County Museum
Welcome
We are the little museum with the big name. The C. H. Moore Homestead and DeWitt County Museum is two museums in one. But it’s really more than that, too!
HOURS of OPERATION*
Tuesday - Saturday: 10 am - 5 pm | Sunday: 1 pm - 5 pm
PAID ADMISSION*
Adults: $10 | 6 - 18: $5
FREE ADMISSION*
Ages 6 and Younger | Members
The C.H.Moore Homestead
The spirit of 19th Century attorney Clifton H. Moore lingers in the beautiful Victorian mansion he called home.
The DeWitt County Museum
Long the DeWitt County Seat, Clinton is now the keeper of the County’s rich history in the Museum at the Homestead.
2024
CALENDAR of EVENTS
What's coming down the line? The railroad in the american mind
Step back in time and join us at the DeWitt County Museum for an enlightening journey through American railroad history with Mike Matejka. Renowned for his insightful presentations, Mike Matejka brings to life the captivating narrative of “What’s Coming Down the Line? The Railroad in the American Mind.”
Delve into the rich tapestry of the American experience as Matejka explores the profound impact of railroad on Illinois’ economic development and population growth, along with becoming icons that influenced American Culture. This presentation promises to unravel the intricate connections between railways and the American identity. Join us for an unforgettable evening of exploration and discovery at the DeWitt County Museum, where history comes alive through the lens of the railroad with Mike Matejka.
April 14 @ 2 P.M.
Free and open to the public!
For more information:
C.H. Moore Homestead & DeWitt County Museum
217-935-6066
Annual Quilt Show
The DeWitt County Museum will host a quilt show during the month of June, showcasing the rich tapestry of creativity and skill within the community. Vibrant and meticulously crafted quilts adorn the walls, each one a testament to the dedication and artistry of the local quilters. Visitor will marvel at the intricate patterns, vivid colors, and expert stitching that brought the quilts to life. The event will foster a sense of appreciation for the heritage of quilt-making, leaving attendees inspired.
The museum is accepting quilts on loan for the show. Please inquire for more information.
Open June 1 -30
Open during regular museum hours
For more information:
C.H. Moore Homestead & DeWitt County Museum
217-935-6066
Pre-Civil War Quilts: Secret Codes to Freedom on the Underground Railroad Presentation
Mark your calendar for Pre-Civil War Quilts: Secret Codes to Freedom on the Underground Railroad presentation by Connie Martin on June 9.
Join Connie as she tells the stories passed down to her great-grandmother Lizzie of how her family survived the antebellum period through trials and tribulations, and how they used quilts that contained hidden codes and secret messages to assist abolitionists-white and black-to guide enslaved people to freedom through the Underground Railroad to Canada.
During this presentation, Connie shares eighteen different quilt patterns in replica quilts and refers to a book her mother, Dr. Clarice Boswell, wrote about their family called Lizzie’s Story: A Slave Family’s Journey to Freedom.
June 9, 2024 @ 1:30 P.M.
Free and open to the public!
For More Information:
C.H. Moore Homestead & DeWitt County Museum
217-935-6066
This Land is Your Land: The Folk Songs of Woody Guthrie
This Land Is Your Land is a program by singer songwriter Bucky Hulker that combines music performance (guitar and vocal) and spoken commentary. The program features songs by legendary folksinger and songwriter Woodrow Wilson “Woody” Guthrie (1912-1967), as well as commentary on the time period and each song. This commentary frames the program in a larger historical context, and offers specific details on Guthrie’s songs and his biography. The program also includes two singalong songs.
August 4, 2024 @ 1:30 P.M.
Free and open to the public!
For more information:
C.H. Moore Homestead & DeWitt County Museum
217-935-6066
Apple 'N Pork Festival
The Apple N Pork Festival is an eagerly anticipated annual event in DeWitt County that celebrates the region’s agricultural heritage. The festival brings together locals and visitors alike to enjoy a variety of apple and pork-themed culinary delights. From apple pies and cider to savory pulled pork sandwiches, the festival offers a tantalizing array of delicious treats. Alongside the food, attendees can also enjoy live music, craft vendors, and family-friendly activities, making it a fun-filled weekend for everyone to savor the flavors and traditions of the community.
September 28 & 29, 2024
Open 9 A.M. – 5 P.M. Saturday & Sunday
For More Information:
C.H. Moore Homestead & DeWitt County Museum
217-935-6066
Candlelight Tours & Santa Night
Experience the magic of history come alive with the enchanting Christmas candlelight tours at the DeWitt County Museum. As the sun sets and darkness descends, the museum is transformed into a captivating world illuminated by flickering candlelight. Led by knowledgeable guides in period attire, visitors are transported back in time, immersing themselves in the stories and ambiance of the past, creating an unforgettable and atmospheric journey through the museum’s exhibits.
Santa will make a special visit to the carriage barn on November 29th. All boys and girls are invited to come see Santa. Woods Studio will be there to capture special moments with Santa and light refreshments will be served.
Candlelight Tour Dates
Tours available 5 – 8 P.M.
November 29*
December 6
December 13
December 20
*Santa Night in the Carriage Barn
For more information:
C.H. Moore Homestead & DeWitt County Museum
217-935-6066
Other Recurring Events
Besides the Apple ‘n Pork Festival, the Museum sponsors and hosts several annual events throughout the year, many of which have become regular, recurring, and much-anticipated happenings in the community.
Come join us!
Apple 'n Pork Festival
Join us for our annual Apple 'n Pork festival featuring a variety of food stands, craft tents and flea market.
Homestead Breakfast
Boys and girls are invited to meet Santa in the carriage barn. Held anually the Friday after Thanksgiving.
“Quilted Keepsake” Quilt Show
Through the month of June
Candlelight Tours
Friday evenings from 5:000- 8:00 P.M. between Thanksgiving & Christmas
EVENTS at the HOMESTEAD
The Apple ‘n Pork Festival
Imagine two days of fun, frolic, and really good food. Where old-timey blacksmiths demonstrate their skills, scores of craftsmen ply their trade, and cooks stir cauldrons of delicious ham and beans over open fires. It’s the one and only Apple ‘n Pork Festival, back again this September at the C.H. Moore Homestead and DeWitt County Museum!
Touring the Victorian Mansion House
The Homestead is much more than just the charming Victorian Mansion at its core. Many little secret and unexpected places are waiting to be explored inside its walls; many items of historical value and rare beauty are waiting to be discovered.
Exploring a Not-So-Distant Past
There’s more still to see, enjoy, and learn at the DeWitt County Museum at the Homestead. Besides the history of the county itself, told in art, photos, artifacts, and writings from the period, are special exhibits and displays not to be missed.
Points of Interest at the Homestead
When visiting, be sure to see the many special places, inside the Mansion and out, that include everything from collections of antique carriages to the one-of-a-kind, personal library of C. H. Moore.
Carriage Barn
Sprague Memorial Covered Bridge
Farm Implements Museum
Kent Exhibit Room
C.H. Moore Library
A Man of Note:
Clifton H. Moore
A man of historical importance in Central Illinois and the namesake and owner of the C.H. Moore Homestead, Clifton Moore was not only a successful attorney in 19th Century DeWitt County, he was also friend and confidant of Abraham Lincoln.
The Lincoln Connection
When the young lawyer Abraham Lincoln lived in Springfield, the Illinois State Capital, he regularly made visits to nearby Clinton, the county seat of neighboring DeWitt County. And whenever he came to Clinton he would meet with the man he shared an office with, his friend and fellow attorney…Clifton Moore.
See what’s New at the Gift Shop!
“A little Victorian-era jewel,
set in the heart of rural Illinois.”
Maureen Kavanaugh
Author, Hidden History of St. Louis
Thank you to our 2024 Business Members!
Altorfer Ag Products
Big D Food & Liquor
Calvert Funeral Homes
Clinton Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Bureau
Clinton Family Dental
Covenant Animal Clinic
Dairy Queen
DeWitt County Farm Bureau
DeWitt Savings Bank
Douglas Dodge
Edward Jones – Bryce Starkey
First National Bank and Trust Company
Floyd & Associates, CPA’s
Gibson Ace Hardware
Grimsley’s Flower Store
J Squared Aquatics
Kirby Foods of Clinton
Lance Schmid Auctions
Linda Demaree – Crafter
Marco NPK
Moore & Warner Ag Group
Nate Ennis Insurance
Pandemonium Studios
Peterson Insurance Services, Inc.
Quality Glass & Trim
Save- A -Lot Food Store of Clinton
Sessions Electric, LLC
Shear Paradise, LLC
Sorrento’s Pizza
Sweet Mae’s
Walker Tire
Wantland Way Farm
Warner Hospital & Health Services
Woods Photography Studio
From The North
From Chicago (2hr 34min): Take I-55 S to US-51 S in Bloomington Township. Take exit 135 and follow US-51 S to E Woodlawn in Clinton. Turn left for Homestead entrance. From Milwaukee (3hr 40min) take I-294 S to I-55 S, then follow Chicago directions.
From The South
From St. Louis (2hr 20min): Take the Poplar Street bridge across the Mississippi River. Stay on I-55 N to IL-54 E/E Sangamon Ave in Springfield. Take exit 100A. Follow IL-54 E to Clinton. There, turn left onto N Grant street curving right onto W Woodlawn.
From The East
From Indianapolis (2hr 42min), Dayton (4hr 28min), and Columbus (5hr 18min): Take I-70 W and into I-74 W to IL-54 W in Farmer City. Take exit 159 and follow IL-54 W to E Washington St in Clinton. Turn right on N Grand curving right onto W Woodlawn.
From The West
From Des Moines (4hr 53min), Cedar Rapids (3hr 39min), and Davenport/ Moline (2hr 31min): Take I-80 E and into I-74 E to US-51 S in Bloomington Township. Take exit 135 and follow US-51 S to E Woodlawn in Clinton. Turn left for Homestead entrance.
Contact Us
Or Call
217.935.6066
VISIT US VISIT CLINTON VISIT DeWITT COUNTY
C.H. Moore Homestead
DeWitt County Museum
219 E Woodlawn St
Clinton, Illinois 61727
+1-217-935-6066
OPEN*
April 1 - December 31*
HOURS of OPERATION*
Tuesday - Saturday: 10 am - 5 pm
Sunday: 1 pm - 5 pm
ADMISSION*
Adults: $10
Ages 6 - 18: $5
Ages 5 & Under: Free
Members: Free
©2024 The CH Moore Homestead
& DeWitt County Museum
Design by Tom Kavanaugh, LLC / TPK Creative
Website Development by James Bruenger
for TPK Creative