As part of Black History Month in February, Midway Village Museum will partner with Artists’ Ensemble to introduce local actor Robert Strader as a cast member in the upcoming theater production of the real-life story of General Ben Butler and the escaped slave Shepard Mallory. This introduction is a Meet and Greet from 12:30 pm to 2:30 pm Sunday, February 13, at the museum, 6799 Guilford Road, Rockford. Admission includes viewing of exhibits in the Main Museum Center. Parking is free. Mallory will be played by Robert Strader, a local actor.

Mallory’s real-life story is the basis of the play. General Ben Butler is in a legal and political bind when a furious

Confederate officer demands the return of his “stolen property.” This happened in 1861, two years prior to the Emancipation Proclamation and, legally speaking, the southern Major was within his rights. But Butler was determined to find another way.

"Ben Butler" opens March 24, 2022 at the Artists’ Ensemble theater, performing at Rockford University.

Visitors to the museum can also view the new exhibit “From Rockford to the White House: James and Jessie Williams.” This exhibit showcases the fascinating history of James and Jessie Williams and pays tribute to some of Rockford’s earliest black residents each having their own remarkable life.

Midway Village Museum will showcase the fascinating history of James and Jessie Williams in a new exhibit to pay tribute to two of Rockford’s earliest black residents each having their own remarkable life. On Wednesday, February 2, in honor of Black History Month, the new exhibit is available for viewing during regular museum hours: 10 am to 4 pm Wednesdays through Sundays. The museum is located at 6799 Guilford Road,

Rockford, Illinois. The Meet & Greet on Sunday, February 13, is a special program during Black History Month.

“This is a special appearance organized to encourage visitors to learn about the incredible story about Shepard Mallory,” said Patrick O’Keefe, Executive Director at the museum. “Shepard’s story is one of bravery and courage at a pivotal point in American history.” 

Admission is $8 adults; $6 child (ages 5 to 12); and $7 senior (age 62+). Midway Village Museum members and children (ages 0-4) are free. 

The museum is required to follow State of Illinois mandates regarding COVID-19 at the time of this program and masks are required inside the buildings on the museum campus by all visitors and staff regardless of vaccination status.

Questions? Call 815-397-9112.