The Museum of the Grand Prairie in Mahomet was one of more than 50 in the state to receive part of $15 million in funding from the public museum capital grants program.

The $57,571 reimbursement grant for the Mahomet museum was announced Jan. 10, and construction will be supported by the Illinois Jobs Now! grant program.

The Museum of the Grand Prairie focuses its exhibits on the history of Champaign County and east central Illinois. With the grant money, Barb Garvey, assistant director of the museum, said exhibits will undergo renovation to include more nature-related themes.

“We expanded our mission,” Garvey said. “In order to bring our exhibits in line with (that mission) we will be now interpreting human history in the context of natural history.” 

The Museum of the Grand Prairie was previously named The Early American Museum and is a part of the Champaign County Forest Preserve. The museum’s new mission, which focuses on natural history, will blend with the forest preserve setting, Garvey said.

The renovations will include interactive areas, multimedia displays, large-scale photos and new artifacts.

“(Multimedia) is something that we didn’t do 10 to 12 years ago because it just wasn’t as available or inexpensive,” Garvey said.

Garvey said the some older areas of the museums are in serious need of renovation.

In addition to updating the museum, the grant money will also go toward creating jobs in areas such as carpentry, display printing and video production.

Chris McCloud, spokesperson for the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, which administers the public museum capital grants program, said the creation of jobs is a priority for the state.

“These Illinois Jobs Now! grants will not only help preserve and enhance some of Illinois’ greatest treasures, but also boost the economy by creating jobs and bringing more visitors to our state and its outstanding museums,” said Gov. Pat Quinn in a press release.

Other museums receiving funding include National Hellenic Museum and National Public Housing Museum in Chicago and the Lincoln Park Zoo’s state-of-the-art Japanese Macaque exhibit. 

“Museums have a very unique and singular way that they can educate not only adults but also children on very important topics in a very hands on and fun way,” McCloud said. “They have a form to be able to do that that is very unique and unlike many other educational opportunities.” 

Garvey, who also heads the museum’s education department, said their museum sees about 5,000 school children a year.

“We’re just really grateful the people of Illinois keep showing confidence in us to serve a mission for them, to help preserve their natural land and their forests and also to educate children,” she said.

Maddie can be reached at rehaem2 @dailyillini.com.