Macktown Living History

08/30/2026

Do you have a passion for Native American history?
✨ Consider joining our incredible team of volunteers restoring our historic village, or join our Indigenous Echoes Committee as they collaborate and plan for our upcoming 2027 events!
Macktown sits on land with thousands of years of rich Indigenous heritage, and we are dedicated to honoring, preserving, and sharing those stories accurately. By getting involved, you can help us build meaningful educational programming and community gatherings for the future.
👋 How You Can Make a Difference:

* Village Restoration: Get hands-on with preserving and rebuilding our historic structures and grounds to keep our local heritage alive.
* Indigenous Echoes Committee: Help research, coordinate, and develop our major cultural and historical events lined up for 2027.
* Educational Outreach: Share your passion with visitors, school groups, and families during our open days.

📅 Don't Forget Our Final 2026 Events!
While we look ahead to 2027, don't miss our final two gatherings of this year:

* 🔍 Under the Surface: Archaeology Awareness Month – September 13th
* 🎩 Lincoln and Liberty – October 23rd & 24th

👇 Ready to join us?
Send us a direct message on our [Macktown Living History page](https://www.facebook.com/Macktownlivinghistory/) or visit [MacktownLivingHistory.org](https://www.macktownlivinghistory.org/) to fill out a volunteer interest form today!

08/29/2026

Everyone is popping up at Macktown to see our last two events of the year! 🗺️🎩 Make sure you don't miss out on these final chances to dive deep into local history before the season wraps up!
Here is what we have lined up for our grand finale:
🔍 Under the Surface: Archaeology Awareness Month
📅 Sunday, September 13th
Uncover the hidden history right beneath your feet! Join us for a fascinating look at the artifacts and archaeological discoveries that reveal how early residents lived along the Rock River. It is a hands-on experience perfect for curious minds of all ages.
📜 Lincoln and Liberty
📅 Friday, October 23rd & Saturday, October 24th
Step back into the mid-19th century as we explore the era of Abraham Lincoln and the struggles for liberty in early Illinois. Experience living history demonstrations, political debates of the time, and pioneer camp life during this special two-day event.
🎨 Color Your Way Through History!
Before you head out to the settlement, download and print our custom Macktown Garden Coloring Page! It is a great way to keep the kids entertained while learning about early Midwestern agriculture.
👇 Plan your autumn visits:

* Full Details: Check out the Macktown Living History Events Page for times, parking, and activity schedules.

Support Local Heritage: Grab a Macktown Living History Membership or drop a donation at the gate to help keep our historic site thriving for years to come.

We can't wait to see you all out here!

08/28/2026

Our summer plans were made that much better by joining the Rockton River Market this year!

08/28/2026

Don’t Be Deterred by the Drive! Macktown Is Worth It!

Sometimes the road to history takes you a little off the beaten path—but we promise, it’s worth the trip!

Coming from I-90?

Take I-90 Exit 3 – Rockton Road.

➡️ From the exit, follow **Rockton Road west toward Rockton.
➡️ Continue following Rockton Road into the Rockton area.
➡️ Follow the signs for Freeport Road / IL-75.
➡️ Turn onto Freeport Road (IL-75) and continue toward Macktown.
➡️ Look for Macktown Forest Preserve at 2221 Freeport Road
➡️ Follow the entrance signs to Macktown Living History

You made it!

Macktown Living History is located within Macktown Forest Preserve, where history, archaeology, nature, and living history come together.

Don’t let the drive stop you from stepping back in time! We’ll see you at Macktown!

📍 Macktown Living History
2221 Freeport Road
Rockton, IL 61072

08/27/2026

Why Become a Macktown Living History Member?
When you become a member of Macktown Living History, you’re doing more than supporting a historic site you’re helping us keep local history alive for future generations!

Your membership helps us:

Preserve local history and care for our historic buildings, collections, and grounds.

Create educational programsthat bring history to life for students, families, and visitors.
Maintain our historic gardens and demonstrate how people lived and worked in the past.
Support living history events featuring reenactors, trades, demonstrations, and hands-on experiences.

Encourage archaeology and historical researchthat helps us better understand Macktown’s past.

Build community connections by bringing volunteers, educators, historians, and history enthusiasts together.

And there are member benefits, too—including free admission to select events such as Under the Surface!

Ready to become a member?

Check out our website to learn more and sign up!
Or email [email protected] and one of our volunteers will be happy to help you with your membership.

Every membership makes a difference. Help us preserve the past, educate the present, and inspire the future!

08/26/2026

We need your help!
We are looking for a designer to help us with our printed materials. Whether you are a hobbyist or it's your profession, would be very grateful to have you join our team.
If you are interested in volunteering, please drop your name in the comments section or email [email protected] [email protected]

08/26/2026

Illinois tomatoes are in full harvest season, and here at Macktown we are looking back at how this summer staple made its way into midwestern gardens! From "Poison Apple" to Backyard Favorite
Did you know that during the early days of the Macktown settlement in the 1830s and 1840s, many Americans were still highly suspicious of tomatoes? Because they belong to the nightshade family, early Europeans and some colonial settlers feared they were toxic, often dubbing them "poison apples" or the "devil's fruit". For decades, they were grown purely as decorative ornamental plants rather than food!

The Midwest Tomato Revolution
It wasn't until the mid-19th century that tomatoes transitioned into a widely accepted culinary favorite.

* By the time Illinois agriculture took off, home gardeners realized just how beautifully tomatoes thrived in our nutrient-rich, sunny Midwestern soil.
* Pioneers and early settlers began practicing meticulous seed saving, preserving the hardiest heirloom varieties across generations.
* Today, July and August are peak times for local Illinois crops, yielding everything from rich heirlooms to sweet cherry varieties.

Color Your Own Garden History!
Want to bring a piece of local agricultural history home? Grab your crayons or colored pencils and print out our freshly made tomato plant coloring page to celebrate harvest season.

Get Involved with Macktown:
If you love learning about local heritage, consider becoming a [Macktown Living History Member. Your support directly funds our historic preservation efforts, educational workshops, and family-friendly

08/25/2026

08/25/2026

Under the Surface Is Almost Here!

Under the Surface: Archaeology Awareness Day is just around the corner! Have you heard the exciting news? Macktown members get in FREE!

Come explore the stories hidden beneath our feet, learn about archaeology at Macktown, and discover more about the history of our site.

Not a member yet? There’s still time to join and enjoy this member benefit! Be sure to visit our website for all membership packages

September 13th
12:00–4:00 PM
Macktown Living History

Bring your curiosity—we’ll see what’s hiding under the surface!