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History & Heritage
[Henry County History]
American Woman’s League Chapter House
Andover Historical Museum & Grounds
This home of August Rehnstrom was built in 1861 by Eric Berglof, and served as a temporary haven for Swedish immigrants in the 1860s. On the front lawn you can see the bell salvaged from Andover’s first two-story school, millstones from the original historic Edwards River Mill, and a historic marker denoting the fact that the first post office in Henry County was located in the Andover Colony in May of 1837. Open June-August 1st Sunday of each month, 1-4pm - other times by appointment. Group tours by appointment only.
309-476-8228
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Jenny Lind Chapel
Located in the first community in Henry County, Andover, this quaint chapel was endowed by the world famous opera star, Jenny Lind, the “Swedish Nightingale” who toured America in the 1850’s. Built in 1850, this chapel is the “Mother Church” of the former Augustana Lutheran Synod of America, which founded Augustana College.
Open 9-5, Monday-Sunday, May 1st-October 31st.
309-521-8501
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Hennepin Canal Parkway - Recreational Trail
The Hennepin Canal is listed in the National Register of Historic Places joins the Mississippi and Illinois rivers. Communities in Henry County include Annawan, Atkinson, Colona and Geneseo. The engineering innovations used in its construction were also used to build the Panama Canal. There are 32 of the original 33 locks still visible on the canal. Current activities including hiking, biking, canoeing and kayaking. Fully watered it is habitat for bass, walleye, crappie and catfish.
815-454-2328
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Atkinson Heritage Society Inc.
Atkinson Historical Society Museum
Open 9-12 Monday-Friday, other times by appointment. Please call ahead to make sure it is open.
309-936-7117 or 309-936-7929
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A National Historic Landmark  
This now peaceful village offers a glimpse of what 19th century Swedish religious dissidents built as a utopia on the Illinois prairie. The past and present meet in historic buildings in the heart of the village. Restored buildings and museum exhibits trace the history of Bishop Hill since 1846. Visit the many shops featuring antiques, Swedish imports, handcrafts and gifts. Restaurants offer delicious Swedish-American food. This site is open Wed-Sun year round: March-Oct. 9am-5pm; Nov.-Feb. 9am-4pm. Open 7 days a week Memorial Day-Labor Day. Closed most holidays except Memorial Day, 4th of July, and Labor Day.
309-927-3345
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Bishop Hill Museum
Here the paintings by nationally acclaimed folk artist, Olof Krans, offer a glimpse of Bishop Hill Colony life. Krans painted his Colony childhood memories depicting Bishop Hill’s people, buildings, and work. Additional offerings include a 10 minute Bishop Hill orientation video, and visitor information.
309-927-3345
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Bishop Hill State Historic Site
The Site is open Wed.-Sun. year round. March-Oct. 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Nov.-Feb. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Closed most holidays, but open Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day, and day following Thanksgiving.
309-927-3345
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Colony Church
Morning and evening the Bishop Hill Colonists gathered here to worship. Colony families lived in the first floor and basement rooms. Built in 1848 the Colony Church has been restored. The exhibits on the first floor discuss various aspects of the Bishop Hill Colony (1848-1861). The second floor sanctuary retains its Colony appearance.
309-927-3345
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Colony Hotel
Beginning in 1857 this structure provided lodging for salesmen, journalists, immigrants, and others visiting the Bishop Hill Colony. Portions of the interior have been restored including the Hotel’s kitchen, barroom, parlors, dining room, and a second floor bedroom.
309-927-3345
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Henry County Historical Society (Museum)
Historical Artifacts of Henry County:
Home, Business, School and Agricultural.202 South Park Street
P. O. Box 48
Bishop Hill, IL. 61419 GroupTours welcome.
Hours: 10:00 A. M. -- 4:00 P.M. Monday thru Sunday,
May 1st. thru October 31st.
Open by appointment only November 1st. thru April 30th.
Please call to arrange.
309-927-3528
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The Bishop Hill Heritage Association
In 1962 after the loss of the original Colony Bakery and Brewery, the Bishop Hill Heritage Association was formed. The avowed purpose was the protection of the remaining colony buildings.The Heritage Association is privately funded by gifts, grants, and donations. The Heritage continues to actively restore and preserve the heritage evidenced by the wonderful structures in the Bishop Hill Colony. Buildings of the Heritage are restored for adaptive re-use and provide a space for the crafts demonstrations, and Colony Store.
309-927-3899
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Henry County Court House
Hours 8:30-4:30, Monday-Friday
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Wiley House Museum
Located at 906 W. Division. The house is one of Galva’s founders, William Wiley. The museum contains many artifacts from Galva. Open 11-4 Mon, Tues, Fri, Sat. 1stSUnday of each month not open on Saturday before. Other times by appointment.
309-932-8992 or 309-932-3246
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Geneseo Historical Museum
Located at 205 South State Street. The large double home consiste of 27 rooms and 9,000 sqft. The home features 12’ ceilings, ornate crown moldings, 2 large winding staircases. The museum houses permanent as well as changing displays. Hours Saturday & Sunday 1:30-4:30 March-November. Daily by chance or appointment 9:00-12, 1:00-3:00 Large groups by appointment only.
309-944-3043
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Kewanee Historical Society
Located in the Robert and Marcella Richards Museum at 211 N. Chestnut Street featured are three floors of local history including churches, factories, businesses, schools, parks, sports, streetcars and much more. Did you know Kewanee is an Indian word for Prairie chicken? There is a display of prairie chickens. There is a genealogy corner and the National Cornhuskers Hall of Fame. On display is an iron lung used for polio patients. The second floor has a schoolroom, an "apartment" of antique furnishings and a military section with items from the Civil War to Desert Storm. In the 60's this floor had a teen club and the go-go cages are still on the stage. A wall mural was painted by the high school students. In the basement are early farm equipment and coal mining items. Hours May 1-Oct 1, Thursday & Saturday afternoons. Other times by appointment by calling 309-853-4572 or 309-853-8605.
309-854-9701
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