About

  1. Home
  3. About

The Madison County Historical Society (MCHS) is a 501(c)3 charitable organization that has been preserving and researching Madison County (IL) history for the purpose of understanding its people, culture, and community. Our mission of “Opening Doors to Madison County History” means we seek to understand our community achievements and triumphs, as well as our tragedies and failures. We pursue this knowledge inclusively for all people, while being sensitive to how the forces of race, gender, national origin, and class have shaped our history. The Madison County Historical Museum and Archival Library are owned and operated by the Society. MCHS relies on donations from the community to fund operations, produce educational materials, and create quality programming throughout the year. The artifacts, documents, photographs in the MCHS collections are preserved at the Society’s Main Street complex consisting of the 1836 Weir House (museum building), a modern library building, and the Helms Collection Center. The Society's collections are being preserved to tell the story of Madison County’s history well into the future.

Meet our Board of Directors and Staff
Read our annual report to get up to date on MCHS business
Review some of our policies. Find commonly used forms

Vision

To inspire a sense of place and history for Madison County

Mission

Opening Doors to Madison County History

Our Impact

Institutional Values

Accountable

We make decisions based on the best interest of the public and own those decisions.

Customer Service

We serve the public and put the needs of the public first.

Adaptable

We adapt to change and find ways to succeed.

Teamwork

We treat all members of our team and the public with respect and equality.

History of the Madison County Historical Society

1915
History
History

In 1915, the Old Settlers Union made a motion to organize a “historical society for the purpose of collecting relics and valuable information of all kinds pertaining to the history of Madison County.” The Madison County Historical Society was formally organized in 1916, but remained inactive until 1921, when the new charter aimed to “stimulate a general interest in the history of Madison County; to encourage historical research and investigation; to collect and preserve all forms of data bearing upon the history of Madison County.”

1923
History 2
History 2

In 1923, the Madison County Board of Supervisors set aside the courthouse’s grand jury room for the society’s historical collections. This was the beginning of the Madison County Historical Museum and Archival Library.

1963
History 3
History 3

In 1963, the Society purchased the Weir House at 715 North Main in Edwardsville. After restoration of the house, the collection was moved from the courthouse, and the museum opened in the Weir House on November 1, 1964. The collecting of artifacts, documents and books continued.

2002
History 4
History 4

The one-story library building, dedicated March 3, 2002, was made possible through state grants secured by Illinois State Senator Evelyn Bowles and fundraising efforts of the Madison County Historical Society.

2009
History 5
History 5

In 2009, Dr. Joseph and Sharon Helms donated a structure to the society that now serves as a collection storage facility.

2021
History 6

In December of 2021, the Madison County Historical Society discontinued its 98 years partnership with the Madison County Goverment. We assumed complete operational control of the Archival Library and Museum as well as the management and maintenance of our properties.

2025
History 7
History 7

The State of Illinois awarded $700,000 grant to the Madison County Historical Society. The funds will allow the museum to move forward with the construction and installation of permanent museum exhibits.

Hours and Directions

Monday – Friday (library) Open 9:00 – 4:00
Wednesday – Friday (museum) Open 12 Noon – 4:00
Sunday (library and museum) Open 1:00- 4:00
Close Search Window
↑