Glimpse of the Heritage GardensA New Monthly FeatureExperience the perfect pairing for spring. The month of May and the Historic Iris Garden at Midway Village. Although, this space is in the development phase it already bears some showy treasures. The linage of our plants dates back to before 1910, plus are registered and recognized by the Historic Iris Preservation Society. The plants are rooted in the vision of Midway Village staff and iris enthusiast, Dolores Avram. She is a prime donor in the collection, which now exceeds 60 different varieties of iris.To get us started we will shine our spotlight on an iris with a name as regal as the garden in which it is planted. The Honorable - San Siouci is not just another yellow iris. Linger a moment and look at the beard of this iris to see a mahogany red pattern on a deep orange background. This is a unique glimpse of coloration for those of us used to seeing a classic purple color on yellow. Under certain growing conditions the intensity in the contrasting shades of the Honorable - San Siouci create the illusion of a velvety covered cushion. The Historic Iris Garden is located behind Ralston House in the Victorian Village and the plants are labeled so it is easy to make the acquaintance with some varieties older than Rockford itself.

Thursday, May 13, 2021

Happy Mother’s Day weekend to all the moms out there!Talcott, Ralph, and Margaret Williams pose with their mother Dorothy Hinchcliff Williams in the 1920s.Follow the link below to view over 4,800 images through our Online Digital Collections: https://midwayvillagemuseumdigitalcollections.omeka.net/

Friday, May 7, 2021

Pop-Up Rummage SaleTomorrowSaturday, May 8 . 9 am to 4 pmMain Museum CenterParking LotMidway Village Museum6799 Guilford RoadRockford, ILAdmission is free to attend the sale.This year the From Minks To Sinks Rummage Sale will take on a new approach! Don't miss your chance to find something for every room in your home - from antique to modern furniture decor. All items are at MUST SELL prices. The sale is organized outdoors with safe social distancing protocols in place. While on the museum campus you must wear a mask. Proceeds will benefit the Collections Department at Midway Village Museum.Watch the Midway Village Museum Facebook page for photos of the items for sale. No items in the sale are from the permanent collection of Midway Village Museum. Sale of such items is prohibited.Questions? Call 815-397-9112

Friday, May 7, 2021

Thursday, May 6, 2021

Saturday, May 8, 20219 am to 4 pmMain Museum CenterParking LotMidway Village Museum6799 Guilford RoadRockford, ILAdmission is free to attend the sale.This year the From Minks To Sinks Rummage Sale will take on a new approach! Don't miss your chance to find something for every room in your home - from antique to modern furniture decor. All items are at MUST SELL prices. The sale is organized outdoors with safe social distancing protocols in place. While on the museum campus you must wear a mask. Proceeds will benefit the Collections Department at Midway Village Museum.Watch the Midway Village Museum Facebook page for photos of the items for sale. No items in the sale are from the permanent collection of Midway Village Museum.Sale of such items is prohibited.Questions? Call 815-397-9112.

Tuesday, May 4, 2021

Get outside with Flashback Friday.A large group gathers at a two-story gazebo in one of Rockfords' parks. Note the "pennyfarthing" (high wheel) bicycle at the right. This photograph appears to have been taken in the autumn or early spring. circa 1890 – 1900.Follow the link below to view over 4,800 images through our Online Digital Collections: https://midwayvillagemuseumdigitalcollections.omeka.net/

Friday, April 30, 2021

Thursday, April 29, 2021

This Upcoming Sunday, May 2!Peaches Play DatePeaches vs. Mary B'sSunday, May 2, 2021Game starts at 1 pm at Midway Village Museum Village CommonsWatch the women of the Rockford Peaches Baseball Living History League play against the Mary B's, the staff team from Bickford Senior Living, at Midway Village Museum in a celebration of women in sports.. Game starts at 1 pm. Come early to watch teams warm up. Gates open at 11 am.. View the Rockford Peaches exhibit in the Main Museum Center as part of your admission.. Shop unique merchandise in the Museum Gift Store. Take home a souvenirof the Rockford Peaches!. Children's crafts. Meet the players. Concessions area to purchase light refreshments. Limited seating available; picnic blankets and lawn chairs encouraged. A guided tour of the 13-acre Victorian Village is part of your admission. Limited space; call the museum Front Desk to reserve your tour time. Tour times vary.Cost$8 Adult$6 Child (ages 3-17)Infants (ages 0-2) are freeMuseum Members are freeTo purchase your admission ticket, you may also:. Call the Museum Gift Store at 815-397-9112.. Stop by in-person at 6799 Guilford Road, Rockford. Go online by following this link: https://fareharbor.com/.../midwayvillage/items/300902/...Midway Village Museum is required to follow all Illinois State Standards regarding COVID-19 at the time of the event. All visitors to the museum campus must wear a mask.Please note this event is outdoors and visitors will need to dress for the weather. The event is rain or shine.Questions? Contact 815-397-9112, ext. 106 or educator@midwayvillage.com.Bike RacksThere are three bicycle racks on the museum campus as amenities for those riding bicycles to experience the museum’s events, tours and other activities. These bike racks are prominently placed near the Main Museum Center front doors, and the gate entrances to the Victorian Village off the Recreation Path, and near the Old Doll’s House.Museum Members Receive Special Benefits!If you are interested in becoming a Midway Village Museum Member go to https://www.midwayvillage.com/midway-membership.html.Questions? Call 815-397-9112.

Tuesday, April 27, 2021

Time to get that blood pumping, it’s Flashback Friday!Three young women pose with their workout gear in the gym at Rockford Female Seminary in November 1890.Follow the link below to view over 4,800 images through our Online Digital Collections: https://midwayvillagemuseumdigitalcollections.omeka.net/

Friday, April 23, 2021

Do you know a student looking for Student Service Hours as the end of the school year approaches? The below flyer outlines a volunteer opportunity in the Midway Village Museum Heritage Gardens for students. Questions? Contact by email: historicalgardens@midwayvillage.com.

Friday, April 16, 2021