Lunch & Learn: Atlanta, Illinois - The Land of the Giants

Bring your lunch and join us to learn about the history of fairs in McLean County on Thursday, July 17, from 12:10 to 1:00 p.m. with Bill Thomas, curator of the American Giants Museum in Atlanta, Illinois and the Economic Director of Logan County.

Many towns along Route 66 are still struggling since the route's decommissioning in 1985. But, many are also learning to leverage Route 66's potential to revive their local economies. Bill Thomas, curator of the American Giants Museum and Economic Director of Logan County, will share how and why Atlanta, IL became the largest concentration of American Giants anywhere along Route 66 from Chicago to L.A., and about the impact of the museum on Atlanta as an example of what is possible along The Mother Road.

Thomas has history degrees from Eureka College and The University of Chicago, both of which helped him recognize the special place Route 66 has played – and continues to play – in our national story. He is originally from Cuba, IL and now lives in Atlanta, IL with his wife, Chris.

The Museum's Lunch & Learn series is made possible with the support of our presenting sponsor, MCK CPAs & Advisors. This series provides unique learning opportunities every second Thursday of the month over the lunch hour (12:10 to 1:00 p.m.) in person and live via youtube.com/mchistorymuseum.

You may also like the following events from McLean County Museum of History:

• This August, 14th August, 12:10 pm, Lunch & Learn: A Fair to Remember - A History of McLean County Fairs in Bloomington
• This August, 16th August, 10:00 am, Knit In at the McLean County Arts Center in Bloomington
• This September, 11th September, 12:10 pm, Lunch & Learn: Understanding the Role of an End-of-Life Doula and the Power of Death Cafes in Bloomington