To celebrate the 35th anniversary of The Simpsons, the Volo Museum is unveiling a special Christmas display featuring a fan-recreated version of Homer Simpson’s iconic pink car, affectionately called the "Junkola."  This one-of-a-kind exhibit will only be on display for the month of December, offering fans of the show a unique photo-op filled with a decorated Christmas tree, life-size cutouts of the Simpsons family in festive holiday outfits, and of course, the famous vehicle. “This car is such a fun pop-culture touchstone,” said Brian G...

Fossils provide a unique window into ancient life, giving scientists and enthusiasts alike crucial clues about the Earth's biological and geological past. Illinois has a rich fossil record, from ancient shallow seas to lush, swampy forests and the legendary Tully Monster. The prehistoric environments in this state created ideal conditions for fossilization, delivering fossil-rich sites like the Mazon Creek beds, Thornton Quarry and more. Table of Contents How Are Fossils Formed? What Fossils Are in Illinois? Were Dinosaurs in Illinoi...

The term “classic car” is widely used, but there is often some confusion about what actually qualifies a vehicle for this status. Determining what qualifies as a classic car is about more than age — it also involves the vehicle's rarity, character and nostalgia.  Understanding the distinctions that set classic cars apart can help car owners better navigate registration, insurance, valuation and the search for their next classic piece.  Table of Contents How Old Are Classic Cars? What Are Classic Car Requirements? What's the Differen...

Santa is coming early this year to the Volo Museum’s “Christmas in July” event, and the public is invited to share in what surely will be a most magical, memorable experience. The legendary Rock-afire Explosion animatronic band, of ShowBiz Pizza Place origin, will perform their rarely seen live Christmas shows dating to 1982 and 1987. Concerts will take place approximately every 30 minutes beginning at 11 a.m. July 26-28, and are included with regular admission. ”These are shows that people probably have not seen anywhere live since...

From the humble invention of the first internal combustion-powered engine to sports cars and all-electric vehicles, humanity's relationship with automobiles has been remarkably transformative. More than just modes of transportation, many of these cars are cultural icons, symbols of creativity and catalysts for technological innovation. Discover the cars that changed the industry from the 19th century to now. Table of Contents Benz Patent MotorWagen (1886) Ford Model T (1908) Volkswagen Beetle (1938)  Jeep Willys MB (1941) Fiat 500 (1...

Volo, IL - June 24, 2024 - The Volo Museum, renowned for its rich history and uncanny paranormal activity, experienced an unusual and mysterious incident over the weekend. The museum's popular Titanic exhibit, just over a year old, was unexpectedly flooded on Saturday night amidst severe thunderstorms. This event marks the first instance of flooding in the building’s more than 40-year history. Discovery of the flooding on Sunday morning prompted immediate action to prevent damage to the valuable displays and artifacts, including dresses a...

12 Fun Things to Do in Chicago During the Summer There's no other place on Earth quite like Chicago. This unique American city is brimming with history, and its streets are lined with fantastic art exhibits, music venues and tons of attractions — the perfect backdrop to an unforgettable getaway.  Summer is one of the best times to experience Chicago in full bloom with an unlimited supply of thrilling activities people of all ages will enjoy. Whether you're visiting with friends or hitting the road with your kids, we've put together...

The History of the Harrier Jump Jet The Harrier jet was a true feat in the history of aircraft engineering. Its innovative engine design and unique landing and takeoff capabilities made it a prized gem among the United States Marine Corps and Royal Air Force alike. Designers also created a realistic replica of the Harrier Jump Jet that mirrors the original aircraft. This fabricated jet made multiple appearances on the big screen, including “True Lies,” “Avengers” and even a Pepsi commercial. What if we told you that you could see this re...

The History of the Landspeeder From “Star Wars” Star Wars is one of the world's most recognizable media franchises and one of the most notable media phenomena in history. Throughout its history, Star Wars has given the world many treasures, from lightsabers and Jedis to charismatic heroes like Luke Skywalker and Poe Dameron. Landspeeders are a popular part of the Star Wars universe, appearing in the first movie in 1977. Since then, this spaceship has become a classic part of Star Wars iconography with a rich history to explore. This deep...

The History of Tractors in Agriculture The history of agriculture started thousands of years ago when humans transitioned from the hunter-gatherer lifestyle to farming communities. Ancient farming practices relied on basic farming tools like axes and digging sticks to cultivate the land. One of the first developments to revolutionize agriculture was irrigation and crop rotation. Around 5500 B.C.E., farmers developed simple irrigation systems that channeled water from streams to their fields, making it possible to cultivate land that would...