The Jefferson County Historical Society was founded in 1946 to preserve the heritage of the county for future generations.

Mission Statement

Our mission is to educate about and stimulate interest in history in general and in the history of Jefferson County, Illinois, in particular.

To accomplish these objectives, the Society assists in historical research; aids in collecting and preserving data and artifacts; has established and maintains facilities that will preserve in permanent form the results of such research and collections; provides tours and programs for area schools, organizations and individuals; and, publishes in appropriate manner those materials that will further these objectives.

Officers

President Joan Goldman
Vice-President Linda Duncan
Secretary Linda Short
Treasurer Joe Ashbrook

Board members

Ellen Breeding John Howard David Morris John Warren
Lucy Baker Rebecca Brewer John Hicks Tom Newton
Jack Goldman Kenneth Highsmith Sidney Milliner Phyllis Shields
Paula Delaney George Kuhn Kathleen McMurrin Bob Pemberton

The Board of Directors meets at the village on the third Thursday of the month at 6:30 p.m. Members and friends of the society are invited to attend and share their ideas and comments.

Membership

We invite you to become a part of preserving the county’s history with your support and membership in the society.

Membership Form

Annual dues

Youth $9
Individual $18
Couple $25
Contributor $50-99
Benefactor $100-299
Corporate $300 & up

Membership year begins the month of your enrollment.

The Jeffersonian, the society newsletter, is published quarterly. It keeps members informed about the many activities of the society, and also contains articles relating to the past.

Quarterly meetings are held on the second Tuesday of March, June, September and December. A history related program is presented.

Chat sessions are held monthly from September through May on the third Tuesday at 1:00 pm. Topics are announced prior to the meeting and relate to local history. Light refreshments are served. Non-members are invited to attend and participate. The sessions are recorded for the society’s archives.


Volunteers

Volunteers operate and maintain the village. A wide variety of opportunities are available including staffing the village during operating hours, conducting tours, demonstrating, maintaining and improving the grounds and buildings.

Pathway through History

Have a paving block engraved with your message and installed at the village. Prices range from $35 to $250 depending on size. Contact the society office for more information.

Donations of Memorabilia

If you have books, papers, articles, photos, furniture, tools, small machinery etc. relating to the county's past; we're interested. Call us and let us know. (618)246-0033