The Western Illinois Museum, in partnership with the City of Macomb, invites the public to a Community Conversation celebrating the life and legacy of William H. Thorpe, Macomb’s first Black police officer. The event will take place on Thursday, September 12th, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Western Illinois Museum. This one-hour program is open to everyone, and refreshments will be served. The museum is fully accessible and offers free parking.

The Community Conversation will explore the challenges William Thorpe faced as a Black man in rural Illinois and how these experiences shaped his career, efforts to bring about change, and personal perspective. Mayor Mike Inman will lead a dialogue featuring Thorpe’s family, colleagues, and friends including Helen Thorpe, Carl Thorpe, Gregg Huston, Pam Huston, O.J. Clark, Allen Henderson, and Jeff Hamer. Attendees are encouraged to share their memories and experiences during the discussion.

The event will also provide a preview of the upcoming Story Walk project, which will be installed in William H. Thorpe Memorial Park. Guests will have a unique opportunity to learn more about
Mr. Thorpe and explore the creative plans and vision behind this tribute to his service to Macomb.

This program is partially funded by a grant from Illinois Humanities.
For more details, please contact the Western Illinois Museum at 309-837-2750, text at 309-837-2613, or email at info@wimuseum.org. See less