Grand Opening

The Labor and Industry Museum celebrated its grand opening on August 10, 2002. Almost 1,400 friends of the museum were in attendance to watch the festivities. Local and state dignitaries helped Museum President Harold Wright cut the official ribbon.

Outside the building various craftsmen displayed talents that were common in the late 19th Century when the building was new.

A special addition was the unveiling of Jumbo, the newly renovated Harrison Steam engine. Mike Hutsh and his group proudly showed off the beautiful machine to an appreciative audience.

Special events inside and outside the museum encouraged the crowd to linger for most of the afternoon. Musicians Local 29 provided music, and Board member Bill Thurston and his union workers provided food and drink.

The Labor and Industry Museum is open every Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 pm or by appointment.

Mayor Mark Kern addresses the Grand Opening crowd. Other speakers were Illinois Association of Museums Director, Mary Turner and Harold A. Wright. The speakers platform also included Mike Jackson of the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency, Rep. Tom Holbrook, and Sec/Treas Illinois AFL-CIO Rep. Michael Carrigan.

Harold A. Wright, Board President of the Labor & Industry Museum, and Belleville Mayor Mark Kern cut the ribbon officially opening the Labor & Industry Museum. Judy Belleville, Collections Coordinator, Jack Wittlich, Museum Vice-President and Illinois State Representative Tom Holbrook look on.

Founders and Building contributors, plaque unveiled. Plaque donated by Voss Pattern Works. See list of founders.

1895 valve cover bears likeness of namesake Jumbo restored by Judy Hutsch.