Many Faces, One Community

Midway Village Museum, Rockford, Illinois

Winner: Award of Merit, AASLH (2015)

This permanent exhibition explores the history of immigration to Rockford. Created to meet the needs of an increasingly-diverse community, this “time traveling” exhibition looks at immigration broadly and specifically through the experiences of many different individuals. The museum partnered with a number of community immigrant and refugee advocacy groups to ensure that a wide variety of voices were included.

 

Designer: Split Rock Studios

Owner: Midway Village Museum

A freestanding display anchors the story of Victory Bell, the first Black man to serve on the Rockford City Council. Visitors can trace his journey from Mississippi to Illinois.

Artifact vitrines hold simple, well-used objects relating to the daily lives of immigrants.

In a recreated parlor, visitors can experience how Swedish immigrants to Rockford lived.

Two-story buildings recreate real Rockford businesses. Through artifacts and text, visitors can walk through time,

Visitors can go inside some of the storefronts, while others serve as large artifact displays.

The exhibition highlights the museum's collections.

A humble scrap cart shares the story of Hiram Rubin, a Jewish immigrant to Rockford.

A barbershop tells the story of Charles Price, a Black barber in town.

A recreated kitchen centers the story of Italian immigrants.

In a factory environment, visitors can use hands-on interactives to assemble doors and learn about the history of furniture making in Rockford.

Hands-on displays throughout the exhibition offer fun ways to interact with the content.