As people have worked and struggled to build a more caring, just, and equitable society, stories of their experiences unfolded not only nationally, but also in the local community. On this website, you will find stories of events and people in and around Downtown Bloomington, Illinois, that illustrate the evolution of our city over time.

Beginning in the late 1990s, the McLean County Museum of History began hosting the “Social Justice Walking Tour” to reflect how 19th and 20th century Bloomington dealt with issues of human rights, including immigration, labor, gender equity, and racial justice.

The popularity of the tour and the advent of new technology has made it possible to render an online version. Through stories related to these historic sites, one can learn how the local community responded to challenges – sometimes positively, sometimes negatively.

If you prefer to explore the Social Justice Walking Tour on video, please check out this Facebook livestream of the tour in 2018.

How to use the map feature:

Curious about the location of each stop? Tap the markers to see the address and a short description of each site. Click on “More details” to see the full story or “Get Directions” to visit the site in person. 

To filter stops by topic, use the drop-down bar  and select a category. 

To visit a site in person, tap on a marker and then “Get Directions.”  Depending on the device you are using, this will open in your map app or a separate browser tab. You will have the opportunity to adjust your directions based on your current location and method of travel (car, bus, walk, or bicycle). It will also tell you the distance to the stop and the estimated time it will take to reach your destination. 

We recommend visiting these sites during the day. Always be aware of your surroundings and respectful of the sites you are visiting.