will county historical society presentation to new lenox genealogical society

Will County Historical Society

Brian Conroy

Volunteer, Board Member of WCHS

March 8, 2011

Location and Hours of WCHS

President: Sandy Vasko

803 S. State St., Lockport

(SW corner of State & 8th)

815-838-5080

Hours:

Wednesday-Sunday: 12-4

Closed Mondays, Tuesdays, Major Holidays

The Will County Historical Society and Museum exists so that people and organizations may be connected to the rich history of Will County, Illinois

“Given that democracy requires an educated citizenry, museums, and their role in expanding and preserving knowledge, are essential to democratic society.” - History News magazine

History of the WCHS and Museum

1837: Original one story building of I & M Canal Commissioners Offices built. Canal in operation from 1848 to 1914

1848: The Will County Library and Historical Society was formed and use a room in the newly constructed court house until it was needed for court room space in 1850 and society ceased.

1870: The historical society of Will County was formed

1877: Victorian residence for commissioner added

1876: Museum located in the Joliet Public Library in 2 upper floors of the new Cagwin Bank (213 N. Chicago)

May 23, 1931: Joliet Herald edition stated that the last meeting of the year for the Will County Historical Society located in the Joliet Library was held.

1930-1945: Teachers from JTHS displayed collections in a four room setting. When the 4 rooms were needed for additional classrooms the museum was forced to close, artifacts were scattered and stored in a variety of places and methods.

1964: The holders of much of this revived the WCHS and was incorporated and chartered on June 16.

1968: Acquisition of I & M office

April 16, 1970: Museum opens. Rose and Guy Buccifero took charge of committees and work teams and Rose became its first director and remained in that position until her death in 2006.

1972: Museum list on National Register of Historic Places

Exhibits

Underground Railroad in Will County

February 12 - June 2011

Will be replaced in July by exhibit on Will County during the first year of the war

UGRR

Dr. Dougall Office/Medical Equipment

Edward Worst Spinning Loom

Heritage Village

Replaced by Lincoln Landing for 2009 Bicentennial

Will be relocated to 2nd street and I & M Canal

Funds being raised to reestablish the Heritage Village

Will County in the Civil War (traveling exhibit)

Starting in the Will County office building April 8

Travel around Will County for next four years to museums, libraries, etc.

Topics

I & M Canal

Cities

Townships

Churches

War (Rev, CW, Blackhawk)

Beer

Schools

Revenge

Entertainment

Transportation

Immigration

Buildings

Murder

Economy

City services

Archives

40,000 + documents

I & M Canal records

Obituaries

County and Court records

Westfal German National bank records

Plat maps

Chattel mortgages

Deeds

Land records

Photographs

Newspapers

Misc. correspondence

Collection

Buggy

Lincoln tomb mock up

Westfal German National Bank safe, door, office

Exhibits

Westfal Bank

“The Vault”

Research

Head Archivist: Linda Witowski

Need to make an appointment

Public cannot wander in and handle archives

White gloves

Research

First half hour: Free

Second half hour (for members): Free

Afterwards: $25/hour

Admission

Adults: $3.00

Seniors (60+): $2.00

Students/Military: $2.00

Children (6-17): $1.00

Children (5 and under): Free

Membership Fees (annually)

Student/Military/Senior: $7.50

Senior Plus: $10.00

Individual: $15.00

Family: $25.00

Organization: $40.00

Business: $50.00

Contributing: $100.00+

Sustaining: $500.00+

In Conclusion...

Always looking for visitors, volunteers, members

Location in downtown Lockport makes for an ideal day trip

Massive source of genealogical/historical records (More I & M records than in Springfield)

Nearby museums: – Gaylord Building (Public Landing Restaurant)

– Illinois State Museum (Art gallery)

– Fox Museum