James Millikin Homestead

The Original Big Blue: The Life and Time of James Millikin
2026-04-29 18:00 - 21:00 UTC | Albert Taylor Theatre, 1184 W. Main, Decatur, IL, 62522, United States
The Original Big Blue: The Life and Times of James Millikin

Documentary Film Premiere
Albert Taylor Theatre
Tickets — $19.01
In a time when Decatur, Illinois was still in its infancy. Before automobiles, before electricity, even before paved roads. Long before other great titans of industry arrived. One young man came with nothing but determination and a vision.
This is a story of immigration and perseverance, of love, ambition and unwavering resolve. A story of a family who crossed oceans and frontiers, turning challenges into opportunity and generosity into legacy. From the hills of Scotland and Ireland to the rugged trails of western Pennsylvania, from driving sheep and cattle, to building a career in banking and helping shape a university that would change generations.
This is the story of grit and purpose – of a legacy that still defines a community 200 years later.
Discover the journey, meet the historians, and be inspired by the man who helped build Decatur.
The Original Big Blue: The Life and Times of James Millikin…
https://youtu.be/nmNMy66CFjw
Ticket proceeds will go toward MU and the Homestead.
Tickets can be purchased at the ticket office, in-person, Tuesday through Friday, 12pm-4:30pm or online at: https://millikin.universitytickets.com/w/event.aspx?id=1840
Accessible seating is available by calling the Kirkland Ticket Office at (217) 424-6318

The Original Big Blue: The Life and Times of James Millikin
2026-05-03 14:00 - 17:00 | Albert Taylor Theatre, 1184 W. Main, Decatur, IL, 62522, United States
The Original Big Blue: The Life and Times of James Millikin
Documentary Film Premiere

Albert Taylor Theatre
Tickets — $19.01
In a time when Decatur, Illinois was still in its infancy. Before automobiles, before electricity, even before paved roads. Long before other great titans of industry arrived. One young man came with nothing but determination and a vision.
This is a story of immigration and perseverance, of love, ambition and unwavering resolve. A story of a family who crossed oceans and frontiers, turning challenges into opportunity and generosity into legacy. From the hills of Scotland and Ireland to the rugged trails of western Pennsylvania, from driving sheep and cattle, to building a career in banking and helping shape a university that would change generations.
This is the story of grit and purpose – of a legacy that still defines a community 200 years later.
Discover the journey, meet the historians, and be inspired by the man who helped build Decatur.
The Original Big Blue: The Life and Times of James Millikin.
https://youtu.be/nmNMy66CFjw
Ticket proceeds will go toward MU and the Homestead.
Tickets can be purchased at the ticket office, in-person, Tuesday through Friday, 12pm-4:30pm. Or online at: https://millikin.universitytickets.com/w/event.aspx?id=1841
Accessible seating is available by calling the Kirkland Ticket Office at (217) 424-6318

Open House During Historic Preservation Week
2026-05-16 11:00 - 13:00 | James Millikin Homestead, 125 N Pine st, Decatur, IL, 62522, United States
The Homestead will be open for Historic Preservation Week! This will be a FREE OPEN HOUSE!
Our documentary, “The Original Big Blue” will be showing at the Lincoln Square Theatre at 2:00 PM on the same day! Tickets will be available soon – keep an eye on the film page for details.

June Open House
2026-06-28 14:00 - 16:00 | James Millikin Homestead, 125 N Pine st, Decatur, IL, 62522, United States
Explore the Homestead! Open House admission is $5 for adults (Ages 12 & over), Children under 12 are FREE but must be accompanied by an adult.

Taste of History
2026-09-12 17:00 - 20:00 | IL
Taste of History IS BACK! Save the date! More information to come soon, regarding tickets. The following venues will be participating: The James Millikin Homestead, The Culver House, The Staley Museum, The Oglesby Mansion. Support this Historic sites with a progressive evening of hors d’oeuvres and cocktails.

James Millikin Homestead Jubilee 150-Year Celebration
2026-09-20 14:00 - 17:00 | James Millikin Homestead, 125 N Pine st, Decatur, IL, 62522, United States
SAVE THE DATE! Come help us celebrate 150 Years with music, activities, food, and fun! More information to come!

Open House / Lucien Kapp Art Competition Display
2026-09-26 14:00 - 16:00 | James Millikin Homestead, 125 N Pine st, Decatur, IL, 62522, United States
Come tour the Homestead from 2-4 PM. Normal open house rates apply – $5 Admission. You will also be able to see all of the wonderful art on display for the Lucien Kapp Art Competition! Every visitor to the open house will be allowed to vote for their favorite piece for the “Peoples’ Choice” award.

Open House / Lucien Kapp Art Competition Display
2026-09-27 14:00 - 16:00 | James Millikin Homestead, 125 N Pine st, Decatur, IL, 62522, United States
2nd Chance! Come tour the Homestead from 2-4 PM. Normal open house rates apply – $5 Admission. You will also be able to see all of the wonderful art on display for the Lucien Kapp Art Competition! Every visitor to the open house will be allowed to vote for their favorite piece for the “Peoples’ Choice” award.

FREE Open House / Lucien Kapp Art Competition Awards
2026-10-18 14:00 - 16:00 | James Millikin Homestead, 125 N Pine st, Decatur, IL, 62522, United States
Tour the Homestead for FREE and get to see the winners of the 2nd Annual Lucien Kapp Art Competition! 2-4 PM. The awards ceremony will take place at 3:30 PM. Although this is a completely FREE event, donations are appreciated!

Symposium
2026-10-19 - 2026-10-20 | James Millikin Homestead, 125 N Pine st, Decatur, IL, 62522, United States
This event will focus on the architect W.W. Boyington and the building of the James Millikin Homestead. More details to come!

Cookies & Carols at the Homestead
2026-12-13 16:00 - 18:00 | James Millikin Homestead, 125 N Pine st, Decatur, IL, 62522, United States
Come see the Homestead all decked out for Christmas, have some FREE cookies and hear some lovely music! This is a completely FREE event, but donations are appreciated!
