Museums

A large collection of postcards from the 1904 World’s Fair, a drum from the Civil War, old uniforms, school and Native American artifacts anchor the collection. By appointment.

Farm implements, tools, tractors and other equipment dating back 100 years are featured. Open Saturdays May- October 9a.m.- 3p.m. or by appointment and for special events.

Originally the home of Captain James Moore, located along the Kaskaskia Trail, this was the first American settlement in the State of Illinois. Visit the birthplace of Enoch Moore, the James Moore Cemetery, Bellefontaine Spring. Saturday and Sunday 1-5 p.m. or by appointment.

Get a glimpse into local life in the 1800’s viewing the log house, the Anstedt barn and period garden. By appointment.

The collection of books and artifacts of World Famous Ornithologist Robert Ridway and artifacts from the oil, military, education, farming and medical industries are showcased here. Sunday afternoons, April to October from 1:30-4pm or by appointment.

Termed “One of the Hidden Gems of the Midwest”, this 3 story former grocery warehouse features a large model train layout, agriculture and oil memorabilia, 1947 mine disaster display plus local “orphan” sports items and more. Wednesday, Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

The Museum occupies the former Clay County Jail and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is open to groups or individuals by appointment.

Built in the late 1800s as a private home, the museum holds many artifacts from the area, including genealogical material, books and periodicals on the history of the county. Every Thursday except the first Thursday of the month from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and by appointment.

Local and world history comes alive in this state of the art facility.

Crawford County Historical Society maintains this facility which features local ephemera, historical exhibits, James Jones exhibit, archeological displays, memorabilia, vintage clothing, militaria and more pertaining to early life in Crawford County. Open from 2-4 pm Sundays or by appointment by calling 618-544-3087

Find exhibits related to the National Road, Abraham Lincoln, county founders and favorite sons, Jerry & Dick VanDyke. There’s also a tribute to veterans in the War Room. Wed. – Sat. 11am – 3:30pm.

This museum is located at the birthplace of Louis Lincoln Emmerson, who was Governor of Illinois from 1929-1933. Open by appointment.

Considered to be the oldest Greek Revival-style home in Illinois, the house contains antiques and memorabilia from the 1800s. By appointment only.

The museum contains Lincoln-era memorabilia and artifacts of the people living in the county. Of special interest is an original paper press from the Capitol and Lincoln’s “froe”.

The Depot is located right by the tracks and houses not only the Museum, but a conference room and offices. Search the photos and exhibits for the love story remembered here. Also note the George Rogers Clark statue that greets visitors in the parking lot. Open daily.

See everything from Model T’s to Muscle cars and shop the Antique Mall for classic car models and memorabilia.

Learn about the St. Louis area’s storied history of aviation and see Gus Grissom’s flight suit, a collection of TWA artifacts, and a 1941 bi-plane.

The Greater St. Louis Air and Space Museum was founded in 1982 and was originally located at Creve Coeur Airport in St. Louis. Today the museum offers educational programs to foster the spirit of flight in today’s youth and in future generations.

The museum is open 10:00 am until 4:00 pm on Friday through Sunday.
For group information, please call.

Who doesn’t love trains? Static displays, trains running through model layouts and even a train circling the room inches from the ceiling will grab your attention. Thurs. – Sun. 11:30am – 4pm

Built between 1820 and 1852, the building contains artifacts from that period. By appointment.

The museum houses photos and other artifacts detailing the history of the area. Open Monday through Friday 1 – 4 p.m. Second Floor of the McCoy Memorial Library.

The Museum showcases relics from the 1920s to the present. Featuring several special exhibits including military items from WWII and the Vietnam War, country schools, the Shelton Gang, the Oil Boom, medicine, sports,schools, country store and farming items. Open Saturdays, 10am-2pm, April – October

This museum is located on the West Side of the Square in Robinson. Enjoy ice cream and sodas from an old-fashioned soda fountain while listening to your favorite oldies on a vintage jukebox. Also available are bulk bags of Heath bars and other Hershey candies. There is a large collection of Heath pictures and other memorabilia displayed for viewing. The museum is open Monday thru Saturday. Visit website for details at http://www.heathmuseum.org

This Victorian Home built in 1874, features complete turn-of-the-century furniture and artifacts. Sunday afternoons April to the Sunday before Christmas, 1:30-4pm or by appointment.

The complex includes three properties; Dr. Poos Home & Medical Museum (202 N. Front St); the Frank Schlosser Home (114 W. Walnut), a turn- of-the-century house, barn, harness shop and commercial laundry; and the Joseph Schlosser Home.

In 2004, the Historical Society began the restoration of the former County Jail to house the society’s library and genealogical collection. Nearby, the Gov. Emmerson Home contains most of their museum collection.

Anchored by Col. Edd Kueker’s extensive collection of Western memorabilia including a stagecoach, wagons, bridles, saddles and so much more. The collection also features antiques and historical artifacts donated by county residents.

Formerly a private residence, this is now home to an extensive collection of Civil War and WWI memorabilia, Indian artifacts, domestic arts and items from local manufacturers.

This museum is located by the oldest church west of the Alleghenies. It holds the most cherished artifacts, including chalices, missals, vestments and photos of the Parish and school. Visitors are welcome to tour the museum and gift shop on days when the Log Church is open for tours or by appointment.

The Carnegie Library has cleverly converted bookshelves into displays of medals, photos, weapons and other memorabilia. Mannequins are outfitted in soldiers’ uniforms from as far back as the Civil War. Open by appointment.

This museum is located at the west edge of Oblong and is one of only 7 such facilities in the nation. Featured are displays, tools, books, and a full library of petrology related literature, working models and photos unique to oil production in the area. A grouping of oilfield equipment which dates from early 1900, during the boom days of oil discovery in Crawford County, is displayed outside the museum. For more information, call 618-562-4663 or 618-592-3431 or visit http://www.theonlyoblong.com/oil_field.

Visitors enjoy exhibits depicting life in rural areas complete with authentic items from the period. The highlight of the the museum will be the machinery and equipment displays that will depict the evolution of farm equipment. Call for time and days the Museum is open.

16 pre-Civil War furnished cabins are open for self-guided tours. Open April 15-Nov 15.

The Museum, housed together with the Newton Library, was started in 1966 by two druggists, Henry and Frank Schackman, who donated the first items. Mon., Wed., Fri. 10am-5pm; Tues.& Thurs. 10am-7pm; Sat 10am-1pm

The museum displays costumes, photographs, programs, letters, awards and mementos from Miss Dunhams career as a dancer, choreographer, teacher, writer and dance company owner. Admission is free and Hours Open by appointment.

The museum features a rather unique display. Bill Hanna, “The Humane Hangman,” is showcased with the tools of his trade from an era when criminal sentences were carried out on the gallows. Open by appointment and for special events.

The extensive historic collection, housed in an 1837 German street house, focuses on the stove, agricultural, stencil, cigar, glass making and manufacturing industries of the 20th century, including an 1895 Harrison Steam Engine. Open Saturday, 10am – 2pm and by appointment.

See displays of historical artifacts of Lawrence County, along with models of the oil field industry. Open Mon – Fri 8:30am-4:30pm

Representative of the brick construction of one-room schools in the 1880s, this restored building is typical of the era and the education available at that time. It is located on a spur of the National Road. Open limited Days and Appointment Only.

The house is filled with china, furniture, engravings and books belonging to settlers during the time Abraham Lincoln attended the legislature (1834-1839). Tours by appointment.

The founder of the Pet Milk Company built this house that was one of the first with electricity and running water inside. Home to annual festivals celebrating early farm life. Visits are by appointment and during events.

The 1836 Weir House is filled with an amazing display of artifacts representing local and county history with the recent addition of a historic research library.

The entire village of Maeystown is on the historic register with much of the village history preserved in the museum. Thurs.-Sun.

Memorabilia celebrating the city’s growth from a coal-mining town to the present make this an interesting stop. Wednesdays Noon – 3 p.m. or by appointment.

Built in the 1790’s in the French vertical-log style, this is the oldest known residence in Illinois. By appointment.

This is a great source for local history and searching family archives. Open Tuesday-Friday 11:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

The Museum gathers history from Mascoutah, Engelmann and Shiloh Valley Townships. Harvey C. Pitt’s mounted waterfowl collection is featured along with dolls, wedding dresses, toys and farm items. Tuesdays 9 a.m.-noon, 1st & 3rd Sundays, 1-4 p.m.

The cabin is a unique attraction available for viewing and educational programs for students. Open 3rd Sunday of the month April – October, from 1-3 pm or by appointment.

Exhibits and research library focusing on O’Fallon area history including native sons, Oscar-winning actor William Holden and illustrator Bernie Fuchs. Housed in 1904 bank building. Open Wed., Fri.& Sat., 1-4pm and by appointment. Free admission.

Antique firefighting equipment and memorabilia are on display.

This 158-year-old home has displays of Civil War artifacts, an Indian collection, and 1830’s furnishings.

A visit here reminds us that the “latest educational technology” used to be a blackboard and piece of chalk and a few textbooks to share. By appointment.

Located at the modern Jr. High School, the building was restored by retired teachers.

Built in 1871, the Jail Museum was the city’s third jail. The Sheriff and his family lived upstairs, and women prisoners were kept in locked rooms. The men were housed downstairs. Today, the building houses the museum collection, including a one-room school, clothing, furniture and other artifacts dating to the 1800s.

Built in 1830, this is the only stagecoach stop still intact along the 60 mile Kaskaskia- Cahokia Trail. Saturday and Sunday 1-4 p.m. or by appointment

See an old electric chair (last used to execute a woman who killed her brother), and many county & Native American artifacts, Kaskaskia manuscripts and Native American artifacts. Located next to the Courthouse and Courtyard of Flags.

Abraham Lincoln slept here in 1840. The collection features items from the original owner such as a bookcase, rope bed, cloak, etc. Other artifacts, plaques and pictures relating to the museum are on display. By appointment and for special events.

The beautiful Opera House, built in 1855 in downtown Red Bud, is the site of the new Red Bud Area Museum. German settlers came to this part of Illinois around 1820, and the museums mission is to collect, preserve and display exhibits, artifacts and documents that chronicle the citys history and growth. Regular hours are Tuesday Saturday from 10am-4pm, Sunday 1-4pm or by appointment for groups.

A Lionel train set shares space with British toy soldiers, crystal, porcelain, period furniture, antiques and collectibles.

The museum features hundreds of sculptural pieces by Richard Bock, best known for his work with architect Frank Lloyd Wright. Hours for the museum are Monday-Friday by appointment only. To make an appointment, please call 618-664-6724

Miss Mary Jane Stewart, granddaughter of a U.S. Senator, donated the house and furnishings to the Historical Society. Open by appointment and for special events.