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History & Heritage

History & Heritage

American Woman's League Chapter House

440 Locust Street, Andover
(309) 476-8228

Built by the American Woman's League in 1911 it is one of nine houses in the State of Illinois and one of 38 in 16 states. All are cruciform in plan and combine stylistic characteristics of the prairie school arts and crafts movement both in their exterior massing/detailing and their interior. *National Historic Register Place


Andover Historical Museum & Grounds

418 Locust Street, Andover
(309) 476-8228

This home of August Rehnstrom was built in 1861 by Eric Berglof, and served as a temporary haven for Swedish immigrants in the 1860s. It now contains memorabilia of early life in Andover. Showcased is a historic marker denoting the first post office in Henry County was located in the Andover Colony, May of 1837. Open June-August 1st Sunday of each month, 1-4pm - other times by appointment. Group Tours by Appointment. *National Historic Register Place

Bishop Hill Museum in Bishop Hill, Illinois.

Bishop Hill - Bishop Hill Museum

304 South Bishop Hill Road, Bishop Hill
(309) 927-3345
Website

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. *National Historic Register Place

Bishop Hill Colony Church in Bishop Hill, Illinois.

Bishop Hill - Colony Church

101 Maiden Lane, Bishop Hill
(309) 927-3345
Website

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. *National Historic Register Place

Bishop Hill Colony Hotel in Bishop Hill, Illinois.

Bishop Hill - Colony Hotel

209 Main Street, Bishop Hill (309) 927-3345
Website

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. *National Historic Register Place


Cambridge Heritage Village Park

209 East Court Street, Cambridge
(309) 945-6823

History abounds and provides a glimpse into Cambridge past. The Village features a 1843 Court House, 1895 Sand & Lime Johnson Record Building, Henry County Sheriff's Barn and The Depot. Buildings contain Cambridge and agricultural historical artifacts. Open during Cambridge Main Street Days and by appointment only.


Geneseo Historical Museum

205 South State Street, Geneseo
(309) 944-3403
Website

Built in 1855 the Italianate became a duplicate in 1867. The double home consists of 27 rooms and 9,000 square feet to display the museum's vast collections. Open March through November, Daily 9a.m. - 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. and Saturday 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. June through August or by appointment.  Group Tours by Appointment. Donations accepted.


Henry County Court House

307 West Center Street, Cambridge
(309) 937-3530
Website

A Victorian structure of brick and stone was completed in 1880. It features sixteen fireplaces, a mural on the first floor and oak woodwork trimmed in black walnut is featured throughout the building. Open to the public Monday - Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Group Tours by Appointment. *National Historic Register Place


Henry County Historical Museum

202 South Park Street, Bishop Hill
(309) 927-3528

Thousands of historical artifacts tell the history of Henry County in a one-story museum. Group tours are welcomed please call ahead. Open May 1st -October 31st, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday.


Jenny Lind Chapel

604 Oak Street, Andover
(309) 521-8127
Website

The Chapel is named after the world famous opera star, Jenny Lind, the "Swedish Nightingale", who contributed to its construction in 1850. Considered the "Mother Church" of the former Augustana Lutheran Church of America, it hosts museum of early immigrant experiences through exhibits, audio and video. Open May 1- October 31 Hours:Daily 9-5 *National Historic Register Place


Old, Odd & Unusual Museum

108 Center Street, Cambridge
(309) 937-5729

One floor museum features a varied collection of items dating back to the turn of the century. Featuring pedal toys, stationary engines, machinery, knives, tools, a dog powered washing machine, a steam powered bicycle and a tractor run by 6 Maytag engines. Individual and Group Tours by Appointment.


Orion Music Pavilion

1208 5th Street, Orion

Preservation of the nearly 100-years old brought the community together and sparked renewed interest in the downtown spirit. During concert filled summers the structure sparkle like a gem. It creates an atmosphere drawing return visits from visitors far and wide. *National Historic Register Place


Parkside Apartments (Kewanee Hotel)

125 North Chestnut, Kewanee

Originally constructed in 1916, Parkside Apartments was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2006 after undergoing a $6 million restoration. The building now contains 41 apartments for seniors. *National Historic Register Place


Robert & Marcella Richards Museum

211 North Chestnut, Kewanee
(309) 854-9701

Website

Located in the historic 1868 Butterwick Building the museum is home to the Kewanee Historical Society. The museum features displays on the industries that built Kewanee (Kewanee Boiler, Walworth and Boss), the U.S. military from Civil War to the present. Added features include the Cornhuskers Hall of Fame showcasing pictures and stories on the corn husking contests of the late 1920's and 1930's. View the "Lincoln lantern" that helped Abraham Lincoln find his way from Toulon to Kewanee in 1858. Open May 2 - October 1, Thursday and Saturdays, 1:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Appointments available anytime.

Ryan's Round Barn

28616 Sauk Trail Road, Kewanee
(309) 852-4262
Website

Located at Johnson Sauk Trail State Recreation Area, Ryan's Historic Round Barn was built in 1910 to house Dr. Laurence P. Ryan's 50-head herd of Black Angus Show Cattle. It remains in excellent condition today, and has many unusual features. A farm museum is on the main floor. Open May through October, 1st and 3rd and 5th Saturdays of the month. 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Group Tours of 10 or More by Appointment. *National Historic Register Place


St. Mary of the Fields Shrine

24772 St Mary's Road, Prophetstown
(309) 935-6911
Website

Nestled amongst the green field and golden grain it is a natural place for prayer and meditation. The grounds feature a "Rolle Bolle" rosary where mass is held. The Shrine features numerous works of art, the walls are adorned with fourteen Stations of the Cross and several statues are displayed. Open Daily. Group Tours by Appointment.


The Bishop Hill Heritage Museum

103 North Bishop Hill Street, Bishop Hill
(309) 927-3899

Built in 1854 originally to be used as a hotel, but instead was used as a dwelling, school, administration building and later housed a bank, telephone switchboard and apartments. The museum houses thousands of original items used by the Colonists. It is the administration office, museum and archive of the Bishop Hill Heritage Association. Group Tours by Appointment, small fee. Hours: April - December, Mon - Sat, 10 - 5, Sun 12 - 5, January - March, Mon - Sat 10 - 4 . Sun 12 - 4 Admission is free - donations appreciated.


West Water Tower and Ground Storage Tank

310 11th Avenue, Orion

The tower was constructed in 1928 to provide safe drinking water and improved fire protection. Recently repaired and repainted, the west tower stands ready to serve the community for years to come. *National Historic Register Place


Woodland Palace at Historic Francis Park

29862 North 900 Avenue, Kewanee
(309) 852-2611
Website

Fred Francis, a Leonardo da Vinci-like man began to build the unique house and its furniture in 1889. A windmill was the sole source of power for the house, in the solarium the air changed every 60 seconds and automatic doors were installed to keep pests and insects out. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Open daily May through September. Group Tours by Appointment - small fee. *National Historic Register Place