The Blackwell Museum has recently established an association for the support and promotion of programming and acquisitions called the Friends of the Blackwell History of Education Museum. Friends will contribute to the Museum through volunteer and/or financial support.
Friends sponsor programs to help others learn more about our national and local educational history. Recent programs include a musical documentary of the rich American cultural heritage of the banjo and dulcimer and a Christmas pageant at the reconstructed Milan Country School. This spring, we plan to sponsor an art exhibit, “Memories of Country Schools,” by children in Batavia Middle School.
Friends of the Museum contributions can also help develop the resources of the museum and provide funds for the acquisition of educational artifacts, books and other materials. In addition, Friends are invited to volunteer, for example, as docents for the Milan One-Room Country Schoolhouse located on NIU’s campus, or to help catalogue acquisitions of the Museum.
Annual Gifts
Annual contributions support the Blackwell Museum programs, the purchase of artifacts and the teaching mission of the Museum.
Endowment Funds
Donors may wish to establish endowment funds.The principal of an endowment remains in perpetuity and is never drawn upon. Interest generated from endowment funds is used for museum acquisitions and program support.
Memorial Funds
Donors may wish to commemorate an individual or organization through a contribution to the Museum.
Specific Contributions
Individuals may wish to donate artifacts such as photographs, books, or documents.
Checks should be sent to:
Northern Illinois University
College of Education
Development Office, Graham 319
DeKalb, IL 60115
To request a brochure, please email Lucy Townsend at Blackwell@niu.edu.