The Kankakee County Historical Society, founded in 1906, is one of the oldest historical societies in Illinois. It was formed by a coalition of local groups as varied as the Nature Club and the Spanish War Veterans. The Historical Society displayed artifacts and documents, beginning in 1912, in a room provided by the Kankakee High School (then located on the northeast corner of Indiana Avenue and Station Street).
In 1935, extensive renovations at the High School forced the group to move its collection to the Kankakee County Court House. The collection was moved back to the Kankakee High School in 1944, where it remained for four years. The Kankakee County Historical Society found a permanent home in 1948, when the Historical and Arts Building was constructed on Governor Small Memorial Park.
In 1935, extensive renovations at the High School forced the group to move its collection to the Kankakee County Court House. The collection was moved back to the Kankakee High School in 1944, where it remained for four years. The Kankakee County Historical Society found a permanent home in 1948, when the Historical and Arts Building was constructed on Governor Small Memorial Park.
Services
Exhibits
Report
Built in 1855, this home is one of the Museum's living history buildings. The home is set to look as though a family home may have looked in the mid to late 1800s. 2015 saw the renovation of the upstairs bedrooms, including a master bedroom, children's bedrooms, and a play area featuring a collection of 19th Century toys.
Memberships & Sponsorships
Report
Become a Museum Insider by joining us TODAY in our mission to collect, exhibit and interpret the material culture of Kankakee County. Membership dues and donations are helpful in preserving Kankakee County history. We receive a small amount of tax money from the Kankakee Valley Park District, which pays for the wages of 1 1/2 of our six staff members-the rest is up to us.
Programs & Events
Report
Thank you Kankakee Valley Theater Association, Mound Grove Cemetery, & of course to all of the wonderful participants, staff, and volunteers who made this event possible! Tours of the Doctor Small Home and the Taylor One-Room Schoolhouse are available upon request during your visit to the museum campus.
Shop
Report
Kankakee County Museum Gift Shop is a well-renowned store that has continually featured a variety of high-quality and affordable products since day one, and we have now added online sales! Our passion for History has driven us from the beginning and continues to drive us into the future. Check out our new online store and special offers, and get in touch with questions or requests.
Reviews
Be the first to review Kankakee County Museum.
Write a Review