will county historical society presentation to new lenox genealogical society
DESCRIPTION
March 8, 2011 presentation to the New Lenox (IL) Genealogical Society about the Will County Historical Society.TRANSCRIPT
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