It really was an exciting time back in 1995, the start of a dream to enhance our fair city by creating big, bold, beautiful historical murals. Our intent then, which continues today, is to see to completion such projects through public donations, without any tax dollars being spent.
The Sterling Mural Society has chosen some great subjects to depict our history. A lot of study and research went into each mural selection and final matching of subject with the best location in the downtown area.
These murals proudly reflect our past, one that silently proclaims to local citizens and visitors alike – “Visit us, enjoy us, be a part of us.”
As Sterling continues to reinvent itself for the future, citizens new and old can be proud of this past and use it as a base for continued growth and accomplishment.
1995 seems like forever, yet not so long ago, that blank canvases of brick began to come to life to tell the story of Sterling, Illinois: its earliest settlers, scenes from its past, important moments in history that make Sterling the great community it is today.
In 2014 the original Sterling Mural Society was dissolved and the group merged under the umbrella of Sterling Main Street.
The 20th mural, “Lincoln in Sterling,” was installed in 2015 marking the 20th Anniversary of the Murals in Sterling.
With a few private mural installations having taken place, a renewed enthusiasm for the historic murals was born through the Keystone Group (now Sauk Valley Under 40) in early 2022. A number of maintenance and preservation tasks began, along with planning for additional murals and increasing public awareness for these tremendous works of art and the history behind them.
Click on the photos below to learn more about the story each mural tells. (Please note, some mural pages are still under construction, please check back)
How can you help?
Help us continue to restore and preserve the murals which share Sterling’s rich history for generations to come.
Donations are now being accepted to help with further restorations. You may use the button below to donate online, or make your cash or check donation to Sterling Main Street, 15 E. 3rd Street, Sterling, IL 61081. Be sure to note “Murals” with your donation. Call 815-626-8610 or Contact Us for more information.
Click here for an online story map showing the locations of each of the murals for a self-guided tour.