Midway Village Museum will showcase the fascinating history of James and Jessie Williams in a new exhibit to pay tribute to two of Rockford’s earliest black residents, each having their own remarkable life. On Wednesday, February 2, in honor of Black History Month, the new exhibit viewing will begin during regular museum hours: 10 am to 4 pm Wednesdays through Sundays. The museum is located at 6799 Guilford Road, Rockford, Illinois. Parking is free for visitors.

In the 1850s, African American James Williams and his brothers David and John moved to Rockford, from Pennsylvania. When the Civil War broke out in 1861, James Williams accompanied Company D of the 11th Illinois Infantry on the road, serving without pay. At the Battle of Shiloh, James Williams became a hero saving the life of a Rockford soldier. After the war, Williams ran his own Rockford barbershop and was also involved in politics. Williams’ daughter, Jessie, married Oscar DePriest. In 1914 DePriest became Chicago’s first Black alderman and in 1928, was the first African-American Congressman elected in the 21st century. Jessie became the first Black woman to attend a White House social function.

“We are eager to tell such a fascinating story about these two Rockford residents,” said Laura Furman, Curator of Collections and Education. “James and Jessie are among Rockford’s early black residents and each had very remarkable lives.”

Admission for the Main Museum Center viewing is $8 adults; $6 child (ages 5 to 12); and $7 senior (age 62+). Midway Village Museum members and children (ages 0-4) are free. Pricing is seasonal and hours change May 1, 2022.

The museum is required to follow State of Illinois mandates regarding COVID-19 at the time of this program and masks are required inside the buildings on the museum campus by all visitors and staff regardless of vaccination status.

Questions? Call 815-397-9112.