Isle A La Cache Hosts New Exhibition On History Of Migration

ROMEOVILLE, IL — Opening Feb. 1, the Isle a la Cache Museum in Romeoville will host the Smithsonian Institution exhibition, "Journey Stories." The exhibit will run through April 30.

"Journey Stories" takes a look at American expansion and migration, from the earliest European settlers and Native American displacement to the effects of transportation advancements on modern mobility, according to a release from the preserve.

The exhibition uses posters to encourage dialogue about how movement has defined America.

"'Journey Stories' features a topic most people have personal experience with or know those who do," Tina Riley, facility supervisor at Isle a la Cache, said in a release. "Anyone who has ever moved for a better opportunity – whether for school, work, climate, or housing – knows that those moves can shape your entire lifetime."

The Isle a la Cache Museum staff have also created 10 complementary programs that will run from February through April to tap into the exhibition's themes.

The Museum is located at 501 E. Romeo Road, and hours are Tuesdays through Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sundays, noon to 4 p.m. and closed Mondays.

The exhibition is organized by the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service and brought to the museum through funding provided by The Nature Foundation of Will County, the preserve said.

"The exhibition highlights some of the major shifts in the history of the U.S., when large groups of people moved for various reasons," Riley added in a release. "It helps us reflect on the experience of our ancestors, as well as our own mobility, something we often take for granted. Where you live is important; how you got there can be an interesting story!"

The exhibition will include hands-on opportunities, including children's activities in the library.

"And all visitors will have a chance to respond to questions about their own journey stories," Riley said in a release. "These interactive opportunities are always a highlight for staff and visitors alike."

In addition to the Smithsonian posters, Isle a la Cache Museum staff have added panels to the exhibition that help connect local Will County stories to the national topics covered by the Smithsonian, the preserve said.

"We look forward to hearing more local stories from visitors during the exhibition," Riley said.