Taste of History

Saturday, October 7, 2023
5:00 – 9:00 p.m.

The Taste of History event returns Saturday, October 7 from 5pm to 9pm. During this event, you’ll explore five Decatur history sites while enjoying delicious hors d’oeuves and drinks at each location. Each venue represents a business industry pioneer and a piece of Decatur history:

  • Culver House – John Culver: owned a monument business and created an electric company that became Ameren Illinois.
  • Governor Oglesby Mansion – Richard Oglesby: US Senator, veteran, and the only three-time Illinois governor.
  • Hieronymus Mueller Museum – Hieronymus Mueller: invented the tapping machine, which revolutionized the way homes connected to public water systems, and created many products for the water and gas industry that are still manufactured.
  • James Millikin Homestead – James Millikin: a banker, who founded Millikin University.
  • Staley Museum – A.E. Staley: operated the largest corn starch manufacturing plant, which became Tate & Lyle, now operated by Primient.

Tickets

$40 / person (September 1 – September 25)
$45 / person (after September 25)

This event is for adults age 21 and up. You may purchase tickets for an early discount rate of $40/person beginning in September through the Hieronymus Mueller Museum. Tickets may be purchased in-person during the Hieronymus Mueller Museum’s regular open hours (Tuesday-Saturday from 1-4pm), or online here.

Space is limited! All tickets must be purchased in advance. All ticket sales will close at 5pm on Friday, October 6. Tickets will not be sold at the door. Since this is a fundraiser, all ticket sales are final.

Parking & Transportation

Primary parking will be at Central Christian Church, located at 650 W. William Street, Decatur. You may pick from three transportation options:

1) You’re welcome to walk between the sites: There are only a few blocks between each location. See map below.

2) Ride the trolley: The City of Decatur trolley will provide free, continuous transportation between the five historic sites and the Central Christian Church Parking Lot for the length of the event: from 5pm to 8:45pm.

3) You may drive yourself between the historic sites, but we recommend reserving this for those with limited mobility. Parking is limited to street parking at most locations.

You can switch between walking, driving, or riding the trolley at any point along the way. (There are no separate trolley tickets or passes required. You can jump on and off at any stop.)

Follow Taste of History on Facebook

Like and follow the new Taste of History Facebook page.

The Hieronymus Mueller Museum is located near downtown Decatur, at 420 W. Eldorado Street, Decatur, IL. To get to the museum from Decatur, go north on Route 51 and turn left onto Eldorado Street/U.S. 36. The museum will be on your right.

Taste of History is a joint effort between the Culver House, Governor Oglesby Mansion, Hieronymus Mueller Museum, James Millikin Homestead, and Staley Museum. Each venue represents a piece of Decatur’s history dating back to the 1800s. Each venue is a 501(c)(3) non-profit. Funds raised through this event help keep Decatur’s history alive.

Your Invitation

The Hieronymous Mueller Museum is proud to display numerous exhibits and memorabilia from the Company’s history. We invite you to visit this incredible collection at your earliest convenience.

The museum’s address is 420 West Eldorado Street in Decatur, IL. We’re open to the public on Tuesday through Saturday (except holidays) from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. You can also schedule a visit by calling 217-423-6161. Admission is $2.00 for adults and $1.00 for those under 17 years of age.

Recent Stories

Working at Mueller Co. in 1925

An interesting little bit of history was unearthed in sorting some old company papers - Mueller Information and Factory Rules. This small 34 page booklet was published in 1925 for distribution to all employees and tells us a great deal about the relationship of the...

read more

Mueller Son Races from Bloomington to Decatur

The story of Hieronymus Mueller and his interest in automobiles is pretty well known by those of us with an interest in Mueller history. Hieronymus earned a spot in automotive history through this success in America’s first auto race in 1895.

read more

Defeating “The Cup of Death”

In the summer of 1911, Decatur newspapers were filled with the buzz of the new state law abolishing the public drinking cup. “The Cup of Death”, would soon be a thing of the past.

read more

News & Events

Mueller Museum Donating Art to Decatur Area Arts Council for Fundraiser

The Hieronymus (HAIR-on-i-mus) Mueller Museum of Decatur, IL is partnering with the Decatur Area Arts Council to showcase a selection of museum founder, Jane Mueller’s personal art collection. The show will be up April 1-23 in the Anne Lloyd Gallery at the Decatur Area Arts Council. All of the art will be for sale, with proceeds supporting the Arts Council. Learn more at DecaturARTS.org.

read more

Let's Get Social

Connect with us on Facebook