Metamora Association for Historic Preservation

04/06/2026

The Stevenson house interior painting is nearing completion. We left a small section in the hallway unpainted because it shows how the original wallpaper stained the plaster.

02/20/2026

Got started on our wallpaper removal project at the Stevenson House. The second layer tan paper was peeling off and the plan was to replace the wallpaper and paint. We discovered the original (I believe) dark floral paper underneath. Thinking we should salvage an area or wall to show the original. Your thoughts?

12/11/2025

FREE Streaming of the Underground Railroad in Metamora now available. Here is the link https://tenthirtyone.org/undergroundrailroad/watch/

11/11/2025

Great video including our courthouse and local "extras". Scroll down in the post for the YouTub link

10/27/2025

Another opportunity to see the Underground Railroad in Metamora film. Use our teaching guide to create a learning experience for our youth. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1BcOJ13VT6yZnKIczORmuFLDdeHj5Fl4P/view

09/30/2025

Announcing our OCTOBER 2025 screenings. Hope you can attend one. In November, we will begin scheduling groups of 15-18 people for screenings at the Stevenson House.

https://historicmetamora.org/underground-railroad/

09/29/2025

Thanks to all who attended the showing of the 1976 Lincoln Play at the Stevenson House! We had a nice crowd including one original cast member. If you have a group of 15-18 people who would like to view this play at the Stevenson House, please contact us.

07/05/2025

The premiere screening of the Underground Railroad in Metamora drew 713 community members to the Kenneth H. Maurer Performing Arts Center at Metamora Township High School on June 22, 2025.

The audience included dignitaries, descendants, and family members of Underground Railroad conductors.

At the documentary’s conclusion, I hosted a brief Q&A panel with author and historian Larry McClellan, as well as executive producers Laure Adams, Jack Weddle, and Levi Obery.

A brief reception followed outside the auditorium.

Our volunteers who helped set up, greet guests, usher crowds, manage technical needs, and supported the reception represented numerous businesses and interests, including the Woodford County Historical Society, the Bakery Bar, Metamora and Germantown Hills Rotary Club, Illinois Prairie District Library, Metamora Township High School, and Kirby Foods.

Thank you to all who came out to support this event despite record-setting heat.

Photos by: Jen Micheletti Photography

05/19/2025

Nice day for our demonstration on cleaning old limestone tombstones and reading inscriptions. Thanks to those who attended.

05/09/2025

The UGRR film premiere is coming on June 22nd at 3pm. Tickets are not required but if you would like to reserve a seat, details are on the postcard back. Hope you will join us!

02/12/2025

We’re excited to announce that today, on February 12—Abe Lincoln’s birthday—we’re releasing the trailer for our upcoming film on the Underground Railroad in Metamora!

This trailer offers a powerful glimpse into the incredible legacy of our ancestors who played a vital role in the Underground Railroad. Their courage and determination helped shape our town's rich history, and this film is a tribute to their brave spirit.

🔹 What to Expect:
Get ready to dive into a pivotal chapter of Metamora's past, where community members took a stand for freedom. Our film captures the remarkable stories of those who risked everything to help others along the path to liberty.

https://tenthirtyone.org/ugrrtrailer

Details on the full Movie Premier on Sunday, June 22nd coming soon! Mark your calendars.

02/01/2025

Welcome to 2025, Metamora friends!

This month we're diving into our rich local heritage by spotlighting the original family whose many descendants still play a prominent role in our community—and updating you on another historic family that came over on the Mayflower!

But that's not all: the most exciting news is that the trailer for the movie we're producing on Metamora's involvement in the Underground Railroad is almost here! After a long (but fun) journey that started a year ago, we're gearing up to send you an email on Lincoln's birthday, February 12, with a link to watch the trailer. Mark your calendars—the full movie will be unveiled in a grand presentation at the high school auditorium in June (details to come).

Join us in celebrating the preservation of an enormously important story in both Metamora and national history, brought to life by the masterful work of producer Levi Obery. We think you'll be amazed by the professional quality of his work.

Stay tuned for more updates, and be sure to check out our February newsletter for all the details:

Dr. Heinzmann's home, a 1906 Fandel family photo, more Cheedle family history, early Germans and French in Metamora