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• Museum showcases the unique and local

So, you're sitting at home bored and you want something to do. You don't have a lot of homework yet, work is stressing you out and you don't want a hangover tomorrow morning. I've got the perfect idea. And it's called Champaign County Historical Museum.

Hold it just a second before you start browsing for another article. All museums are not boring.

In fact, you should take advantage of things like museums in this country. It's easy to get carried away with work, school, bars and everything else that glitters in the 217, but every now and then, take some time to enjoy, appreciate and admire someone else's work.

Sorry. I'm done preaching.

From the inside out, the Champaign County Historical Museum is on a mission to not only preserve, but build up Champaign. CCHM aims to present exhibits and information about the people, places and things that make Champaign a unique county. CCHM's goal is to educate the residents of Champaign, along with other visitors, about anything sacred or crucial to the history of the county.

One unique collection at the CCHM is its quilt collection. For many years, CCHM has been displaying beautiful quilts - many of which have been donated to the museum - whose patterns, fabric and design help exhibit the creativity and lifestyles of previous decades.

Perhaps the most well-known display of the CCHM is its "Popcorn Truck." The truck, which has been "popping corn for three generations" doesn't plan on stoppin' poppin' anytime soon. In fact, it still pops at the Taste of Champaign every year. For the Cinderella story of how this wagon-turned-truck got its electric kettle, see www.champaignmuseum.org.

Another unique aspect of the CCHM is its "Lot Project." The Lot Project goal is to figure out what to build, create or how to use the space across the street from the CCHM. If you have any ideas or suggestions for this good samaritan project, they would love to hear them.

"We seek imaginative proposals from all members of the community...here is your chance to envision a space of your own for your friends and neighbors and associates," the CCHM states.

See? Champaign isn't so bad afterall. In fact, you have a chance to make it even better. Send in your ideas for the "Lot Project" or donate something unique and sacred to the museum today.