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Don Munson Among This Year's History Makers

McLean County Museum of History
Don Munson, left, and Ronn Morehead are two of this year's History Makers.

Four well-known community servants will be honored at this summer’s History Makers gala—including one voice very familiar to GLT listeners.

Don Munson was among the four History Maker awardees announced Tuesday by the McLean County Museum of History. Munson hosted his beloved morning show on WJBC for 35 years. He then came to GLT, where he hosted his music show for 17 years before calling it quits in December.

Credit McLean County Museum of History
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McLean County Museum of History
Sandra and Paul Harmon, two of this year's honorees.

Munson was also deeply involved in local history. He wrote two books with local historian Greg Koos, and donated proceeds from his own book to the McLean County Historical Society.

“I am a little uncomfortable being responsible for some amount of history,” Munson said. “I didn’t do much; I just reported it. I was just there as the eyes and ears of the people, doing what a reporter was supposed to do. I was interviewing newsmakers, I wasn’t a newsmaker. I was interviewing politicians, I wasn’t a politician. I was playing Benny Goodman, I wasn’t a musician. I don’t have talent in any field at all. All I did was show up.”

This year’s other History Makers are Paul and Sandra Harmon and Ronn Morehead.

Paul Harmon is a former Normal mayor. Sandra was an educator. Their philanthropy and community involvement  touched many local organizations, including arts groups like the Heartland Theatre Company.

Morehead worked as a laborer, retraining specialist, and community volunteer. He’s also well-known for helping launch Special Olympics Illinois and overseeing its growth in Bloomington-Normal.

The History Makers gala—a museum fundraiser—is June 28. Tickets go on sale May 4.

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Ryan Denham is the digital content director for WGLT.
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