More Than A Museum
We Honor The Life and Legacy of Our Ancestors
Welcome to
Clark Virtual
Museum LLC
Welcome to
Clark Virtual Museum LLC
"History is a light that illuminates the past, and a key that unlocks the door to the future." --
The Historical Preservation Society of the Illinois Chapter of the Black Panther Party held the dedication and celebration of the Defense Captain Mark Clark and Ward Chapel historical marker on Mark Clark’s birthday, Saturday, June 28, 2025.
Mark Clark organized the Peoria branch of the Illinois Chapter of The Black Panther Party. He launched the BPP Free Breakfast For Children Program hosted at Ward Chapel A.M.E. Church. .
Defense Captain Mark Clark was the first to be assassinated on December 4, 1969, during an FBI and Chicago Police coordinated raid that also assassinated Illinois Deputy Chairman Fred Hampton.
The historical marker event honoring Defense Captain Mark Clark and Ward Chapel A.M.E. is the first dedication ceremony held by the Historical Preservation Society of the ILBPP. The event was not just about sharing history but also about preserving and celebrating the legacy of Defense Captain Mark Clark.
Ward Chapel, A.M.E. Church stands as a unique site on the Black Panther Party Heritage Trail in Illinois. It is the only Peoria church that welcomed the Illinois Chapter’s Peoria Defense Captain Mark Clark to establish a Free Breakfast For Children Program. This remarkable act firmly established Ward Chapel's place in Panther history. In December 2023, the National Park Service added the Illinois Chapter of the Black Panther Party to the National Register of Historic Places, further cementing Ward Chapel's historical significance.
With its legendary past, Ward Chapel is not only the oldest black church in Peoria but also the oldest church in the city. It has hosted speeches from notable figures such as Fredrick Douglas and Booker T. Washington and is now a site on the Black Panther Party Heritage Trail. Plans are underway to nominate Ward Chapel to the National Register of Historic Places.
.
Clark Virtual Museum, LLC (CVM) is a Non Profit organization. We offer a unique online museum with educational collections. spanning history, heritage and culture. CVM’s digital collection of educational exhibitions and programs speak to diverse audiences, and contributes to a vibrant historical and cultural heritage tourism sector. CVM is an up and coming cultural resource hub for local, regional, national and international audiences.
Mission
Our mission is to provide educational exhibitions and programs to inspire learning, encourage gathering, and spark exchange on topics of history, heritage and culture.
Our Team
Clark Virtual Museum LLC was founded by family members of Defense Captain Mark Clark, and we are uniquely qualified to amplify Mark Clark’s story which will inspire other young people, solidify his historical contribution and honor the struggle for human rights for all people.
Priority and Commitment
We are committed to the provision of educational exhibitions, and delivery of educational programs to illustrate and make known to the public the historical and cultural significance of black influencers and leaders. Our priority is to make known to the public the life, legacy, and importance of Peoria Black Panther Mark Clark, and the significance of Peoria‘s Landmarking activities to The Black Panther Party Heritage Trail in Illinois.
NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC
Clark Virtual Museum, LLC (CVM) is a Non Profit organization. No persons or entities are authorized to communicate and/or solicit on behalf of Clark Virtual Museum LLC other than duly elected and authorized members of Clark Virtual Museum LLC Board of Directors.
Any and all representations made by persons or entities (other than duly authorized and elected members of Clark Virtual Museum LLC Board of Directors) shalt be null, void, fraudulent and counterfeit. Violators will be held liable, including but not limited to civil and criminal penalties..
OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS from left to right): Robert Clark, Rose (Clark) Morris, Luke Clark, John Clark, and Dr. Patricia (Clark) Brown
WATCH VIDEO “Let Me Tell You About Mark Clark”
A video documentary
Donate, Become A Member or Sponsor
Your support of Clark Virtual Museum LLC means more than you know.
We simply could not produce the exhibitions and educational content we do without supporters like you.
Your support ensures we can continue the kind of exhibits and educational programming that pays homage to our history and celebrates our rich heritage, making our communities more vibrant and better places to live.
MARK CLARK T-SHIRT
$35 DONATION
“Thank You For Your Support!”