A Deadly Deception: The Asbestos Tragedy in McLean County.

The Museum, with financial support from LiUNA! Midwest Region Laborer’s International Union of North America, is proud to present A Deadly Deception: The Asbestos Tragedy in McLean County.

This new temporary exhibit explores the history of the Union Asbestos and Rubber Company (UNARCO) manufacturing plant on Bloomington’s westside, which operated from 1951-1972. It uncovers the workers’ experience, their fight for better working conditions, and the litigation that followed.

However, this exhibit also tells a story larger than just McLean County. It is a universal story of people being sacrificed, forced to endure toxic conditions and environmental hazards all in the pursuit of profit. It illustrates a national tragedy on a local scale, all the while educating the public about the dangers of asbestos and honoring our neighbors who lost their lives.

A Deadly Deception: The Asbestos Tragedy in McLean County opens on September 7, 2024 and will be on display in the Museum’s third floor Bender Gallery until the summer of 2027. All are welcome to celebrate the opening with a program by exhibit co-curator and labor historian, Mike Matejka at 1:30 p.m.

For more information visit mcchistory.org or call 309-827-0428