James Millikin Homestead

The Original Big Blue: The Life and Times of James Millikin
2026-05-03 14:00 - 17:00 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=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.
