After more than half a century of silence, a remarkable piece of DeWitt County history will once again fill the C.H. Moore Homestead with music. The DeWitt County Museum Association will host The Steinway Reawakened, a special open-house event celebrating the restoration of C.H. Moore’s 1880s Steinway & Sons baby box grand piano, on Sunday, April 26th, from 3:00–5:00 p.m. at the museum, located at 219 E. Woodlawn, Clinton, Illinois. The event is free and open to the public; however, donations will be appreciatively accepted to support the museum’s ongoing preservation efforts. The Steinway piano, originally owned by Clifton H. Moore (1817–1901) and his wife, Rose, has been a fixture of the mansion’s music room since the late 19th century. For more than 60 years, and possibly close to a century, the instrument has been in disrepair and unable to be played. Through careful restoration, the piano will be returned to playable condition and heard again in the very room where the Moore family once gathered around the piano. During the event, a pianist will perform on the newly restored instrument, allowing guests to experience the piano’s voice as it resonates through the historic home once more. Guests will be welcomed by members of the DeWitt County Museum Association Board of Directors, who will be serving wine, punch, and hospitality cups—a traditional offering of cheese, meats, and fruits. Visitors are asked to enter through the museum’s front doors for this event. No reservations or tickets are necessary. This is an open house event. Parking will be available in the museum’s main lot as well as the overflow lot located directly across the street. The Steinway Reawakened marks the first in a year-long series of programs titled America 250 at the Homestead: Celebrating 250 Years of American History, commemorating the nation’s semi quincentennial year. The museum will host many additional events throughout the year highlighting local heritage, national history, and the enduring legacy of the Moore family. The C.H. Moore Homestead & DeWitt County Museum is a privately funded nonprofit (501c-3) historic house museum dedicated to preserving and interpreting the history of DeWitt County and the life of Clifton H. Moore. The museum serves as a cultural and educational resource for the region and is home to the annual Apple ’n Pork Festival. For additional details about this event, future events, or how to become a supporter of America 250 at the Homestead: Celebrating 250 Years of American History, please call the museum at 217-935-6066 or email chmoore.homestead@gmail.com.
