AREA MUSEUMS
Cedarville Historical Museum Freeport Art Museum
German Valley Historical Museum
McConnell Area Historical Society Museum
Silver Creek Train & Engine Museum
Stephenson County Historical Museum
National Arcade Toy Museum
Winslow Historical Society Museum
Focusing on Arts & Culture
For a county of 45,000 people , Stephenson County offers wonderful cultural opportunities . From art to theater to festivals and history , it ’ s All In Stephenson County .
The Freeport Art Museum engages people through art , offering permanent and changing exhibits , programs , workshops and camps . The heart of the museum is an extensive and expanding art collection that spans 4,000 years of humankind ’ s aesthetic endeavors . The museum began in 1976 when it acquired the collection of Mr . W . T . Rawleigh , a prominent Freeport industrialist who traveled the world in connection with his business and collected art for his personal collection .
Winneshiek Playhouse is the oldest , continuously running amateur theater in Illinois and continues to produce multiple shows each year along with Mighty Richland Players in Orangeville . The Children ’ s Hands- On Museum found a permanent home in the Lincoln Mall and offers programming and regular hours for families to enjoy displays in sensory development , art , and productive play .
Festivals like Art in the Park and Paint the Port allow local artisans and families to showcase their talents and engage with community in a relaxing , beautiful environment . Live music of varying genres can be found in multiple locations throughout the area on any given weekend .
Enjoying the diversity of all art forms and the availability of events and museums makes Freeport and Stephenson County a growing center for artistic talent .