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X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Madison County Historical Society
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TZID:UTC
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TZOFFSETFROM:+0000
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DTSTART:20160101T000000
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20240904T120000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20241115T160000
DTSTAMP:20260529T183834
CREATED:20240905T000122Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240905T000122Z
UID:11670-1725451200-1731686400@madcohistory.org
SUMMARY:Art from the Vault
DESCRIPTION:A new exhibit at the Madison County History Museum opens September 4 and will run through November 15.  As the name implies\, it includes paintings\, posters\, drawings\, etc. from the MCHS collections\, many that have not been available for viewing in many years. Some of the pieces depict Madison County residents or places and others were painted or drawn by Madison County residents. This exhibit will also include hair wreaths\, sculptures\, needlework\, and other forms of artistic expression. Beginning September 4\, the exhibit can be viewed Wednesday-Friday Noon – 4 p.m. and Sunday 1 – 4 p.m. \n\n 
URL:https://madcohistory.org/event/art-from-the-vault/
LOCATION:Weir House Museum Building\, 715 N. Main\, Edwardsville\, IL\, 62025\, United States
CATEGORIES:Featured,History,Illinois
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://madcohistory.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Vault-Poster-CR-small2-1.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20240824T183000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20240824T210000
DTSTAMP:20260529T183834
CREATED:20240726T213126Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240727T204608Z
UID:11283-1724524200-1724533200@madcohistory.org
SUMMARY:MCHS Trivia Night
DESCRIPTION:The Madison County Historical Society’s annual Trivia Night fundraiser will be held Saturday\, August 24 beginning at 7 p. m. at St. Gregory Armenian Community Center\, 3501 Century Dr.\, Granite City. Cash prizes\, games\, silent auction\, and more. Doors open at 6:30 p. m. For details or to make reservations call 618-451-2611 or go to the MCHS website at http://madcohistory.org/
URL:https://madcohistory.org/event/mchs-trivia-night/
LOCATION:St. Gregory Armenian Community Center\, 3501 Century Drive\, Granite City\, IL\, 62040\, United States
CATEGORIES:Granite City
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://madcohistory.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Trivia-Night-box-small.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20240811T140000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20240811T160000
DTSTAMP:20260529T183834
CREATED:20231230T001809Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240702T160151Z
UID:9801-1723384800-1723392000@madcohistory.org
SUMMARY:Loving Lincoln by Stacey Lynnn
DESCRIPTION:Historian Stacy Lynn will provide a program on Abraham Lincoln for the final event of the 2024 Annual MCHS Speaker Series. “Loving Lincoln: Stories about Women and Abraham Lincoln” will be presented at 2 p.m. on Sunday\, August 11 at the Main Street Community Center\, 1003 N. Main Street in Edwardsville\, Illinois. The MCHS Speaker Series events are free and open to the public. \nLynn recently completed a manuscript for Southern Illinois University Press which explores various women in President Lincoln’s personal life including his female legal clients\, his political constituency of women\, and a few of the women who shaped his legacy. The book\, scheduled for publication in January 2025\, is part biography\, part memoir\, and also includes personal stories about Lynn’s relationship with Lincoln through her experience as an editor of Lincoln’s papers for 20 years. Lynn’s previous books include The Jury in Lincoln’s America (2012) and Mary Lincoln: Southern Girl\, Northern Woman (2015). \nIn her presentation\, she will share several stories from the new book\, provide a short reading and lead a discussion afterwards. She has written dozens of articles and appeared in numerous documentaries related to her specialties. She has historical expertise on Lincoln\, 19th Century America\, Illinois history\, women’s history\, the Progressive Era\, legal history and the history of race. \nLynn has a Ph.D. in American History from the University of Illinois (2007). From 1996-2016 she was Associate Editor and Assistant Director of the Papers of Abraham Lincoln in Springfield\, Illinois. Currently\, she serves as Associate Editor of the Jane Addams Papers. This program was originally scheduled for June 9 but was rescheduled. \nThe Madison County Historical Society owns and operates the MCHS History Museum and Archival Library at 801 N. Main Street in Edwardsville\, Illinois. The Society preserves documentation and artifacts of Madison County and provides a broad spectrum of educational programming. Founded in 1921\, MCHS is a 501(c)3 charitable organization that receives no public funding. \nTo learn more about Madison County history\, visit the Society’s website https://madcohistory.org/\, visit its Facebook page (Madison County Historical Society)\, or call 618-656-6579.
URL:https://madcohistory.org/event/loving-lincoln/
LOCATION:Main Street Community Center\, 1003 N. Main Street\, Edwardsville\, IL\, 62025\, United States
CATEGORIES:Edwardsville,Speaker Series
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://madcohistory.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Stacy-Lynn-box-small.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Madison County Historical Society":MAILTO:madisoncountyhistoryil@gmail.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20240609T140000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20240609T160000
DTSTAMP:20260529T183834
CREATED:20231230T000553Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20231230T000553Z
UID:9797-1717941600-1717948800@madcohistory.org
SUMMARY:Historian Researches Women in Lincoln’s Life
DESCRIPTION:The Madison County Historical Society’s June Speaker Series event will take place June 9 at 2 p.m. at the Main Street Community Center\, 1003 N. Main Street in Edwardsville\, Illinois. The lecture is by historian Stacy Lynn whose program is “Loving Lincoln: Stories about Women and Abraham Lincoln.” MCHS Speaker Series events are free and open to the public.  \nLynn recently completed a manuscript for Southern Illinois University Press which explores various women in President Lincoln’s personal life including his female legal clients\, his political constituency of women\, and a few of the women who shaped his legacy. The book\, scheduled for publication in January 2025\, is part biography\, part memoir\, and also includes personal stories about Lynn’s relationship with Lincoln through her experience as an editor of Lincoln’s papers for 20 years. Lynn’s previous books include The Jury in Lincoln’s America (2012) and Mary Lincoln: Southern Girl\, Northern Woman (2015). \nIn her presentation\, she will share several stories from the new book\, provide a short reading and lead a discussion afterwards. She has written dozens of articles and appeared in numerous documentaries related to her specialties. She has historical expertise on Lincoln\, 19th Century America\, Illinois history\, women’s history\, the Progressive Era\, legal history and the history of race. Lynn has a Ph.D. in American History from the University of Illinois (2007). From 1996-2016 she was Associate Editor and Assistant Director of the Papers of Abraham Lincoln in Springfield\, Illinois. Currently\, she serves as Associate Editor of the Jane Addams Papers. \nThe Madison County Historical Society owns and operates the MCHS History Museum and Archival Library at 801 N. Main Street in Edwardsville\, Illinois. The museum is currently closed for renovation\, but library hours are Wed.-Fri. 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Sun. 1-4 p.m. The library is also open Mon.-Tues. by appointment only. MCHS is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization which receives no public funding. For more information on this program or to learn more about Madison County history\, visit the Society’s website https://madcohistory.org/\, or call 618-656-6579.
URL:https://madcohistory.org/event/historian-researches-women-in-lincolns-life/
LOCATION:Main Street Community Center\, 1003 N. Main Street\, Edwardsville\, IL\, 62025\, United States
CATEGORIES:Illinois,Speaker Series
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://madcohistory.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Speaker-series-june-2024-sm3.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20240414T140000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20240414T160000
DTSTAMP:20260529T183834
CREATED:20231229T235034Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20231229T235150Z
UID:9793-1713103200-1713110400@madcohistory.org
SUMMARY:Lincoln and Koerner at the Crossroads of History
DESCRIPTION:Jack LeShien and Mollie McKenzie\, Co-chairs of the Gustave Koerner House Restoration Committee in Belleville\, Illinois\, will present a program for the Madison County Historical Society’s Speaker Series on April 14 at 2 p.m. The subject is “Lincoln and Koerner at the Crossroads of History.” MCHS Speaker Series events are free and open to the public. These events are held at the Main Street Community Center at 1003 N. Main Street in Edwardsville\, Illinois. \nGustave Koerner may be one of Southwestern Illinois’ least known\, yet most influential Illinoisians from his era. Born in Germany in 1809. He was a college educated man who in his youth was an activist. Regarded as a freedom fighter by modern historians\, in Germany\, in his time\, he was considered a dangerous anti-government revolutionary. He fled his native country to avoid imprisonment. \nIn America\, Koerner continued his activism\, working with his friend\, Abraham Lincoln\, to stop the expansion of slavery in America. He helped form the Republican Party and in 1856 became chair of the Illinois Republican Party. Two years later he was president of the Convention that nominated his friend\, Abraham Lincoln\, to the Senate. He travelled the state\, politicking for Lincoln and against the expansion of slavery\, lecturing in both German and English\, depending on the audience. One author called him a “confessed enemy of slavery.” That description relates to Koerner’s words when he said\, “Do right and fear no one.” \nWhen he came to America\, Koerner eventually settled in Belleville\, Illinois\, where his accomplishments were extraordinary. He was an attorney who was better educated than most due to his university education in Germany. When his law partner\, James Shields\, retired as Justice of the Illinois Supreme Court\, Koerner was chosen to replace him. He met Abraham Lincoln through his legal career and sometimes was co-counsel in railroad cases. He was a politician who was a party loyalist\, but not afraid to change parties when it failed to support issues he felt strongly about. Koerner also served as a Lieutenant Governor of Illinois\, as a Colonel in the Civil War\, and\, as U. S. Ambassador to Spain. \nLe Chien and McKenzie are responsible for the renovation of Koerner’s 1854 two-story Greek Revival home in Belleville. Both are completely immersed in the history of Gustave Koerner and they tell a good story about both the man and his influences on this area and the country. They will also discuss the restoration of Koerner’s nearly 200-year-old house. Le Chien was news director at WIBV radio\, Belleville\, for 17 years and in that job learned an appreciation of the history of southwest Illinois. Since 1995 he has been involved in historic preservation in Belleville and in 2001 became co-chair with Molly McKenzie of the Gustave Koerner House Committee. \nIn 2010\, McKenzie retired from the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency after a 32-year career spent in Southwestern Illinois. She has received many awards over the years for both professional and volunteer projects promoting preservation as well as projects that educate the public about the diverse historical record of this area. \nThe Madison County Historical Society owns and operates the MCHS History Museum and Archival Library at 801 N. Main Street in Edwardsville\, Illinois. The museum is currently closed for renovation\, but library Hours are Wed.-Fri. 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Sun. 1-4 p.m. The library is also open Mon.-Tues. by appointment only. MCHS is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that receives no public funding. For more information on this program or to learn more about Madison County history\, visit the Society’s website https://madcohistory.org/\, or call 618-656-6579. \n  \n 
URL:https://madcohistory.org/event/lincoln-and-koerner-at-the-crossroads-of-history/
LOCATION:Main Street Community Center\, 1003 N. Main Street\, Edwardsville\, IL\, 62025\, United States
CATEGORIES:Edwardsville,Speaker Series
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://madcohistory.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Speaker-series-April-2024-sm3.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Madison County Historical Society":MAILTO:madisoncountyhistoryil@gmail.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20240211T140000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20240211T160000
DTSTAMP:20260529T183834
CREATED:20231217T180207Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20231217T181802Z
UID:9729-1707660000-1707667200@madcohistory.org
SUMMARY:Speakers Series - Larry Kinsella\, Chip-A-Canoe Project
DESCRIPTION:On Sunday\, February 11 at 2 p. m. the Madison County Historical Society will welcome Larry Kinsella as the first presenter in the 2024 MCHS Speaker Series. The event is held. at the Main Street Community Center at 1003 N. Main Street in Edwardsville\, Illinois. Speaker Series events are free and open to the public. \nKinsella will discuss last summer’s “Chip-a-canoe” project\, where volunteers spent 451 hours turning a felled tree into a canoe using only hand-made stone tools as the Native Americans would have done centuries ago. It had been done before by others\, but it was not well documented. They set out to complete the most documented dugout canoe\, experimental archaeology project and succeeded. When completed\, the canoe\, with passengers\, floated down the Illinois River from Kampsville to Hardin. \nKinsella\, who has a strong interest in experimental archaeology\, said he talked about this project for 35 years. He said\, “It’s inevitable that someone finally calls your bluff. That’s what happened a few years ago at the Rabbit Stick Rendezvous in Rexburg\, Idaho. Myron Cretney told me I’d better start the project while I still could!” \nKinsella\, an amateur archaeologist\, has been a volunteer at Cahokia Mounds for 50 years and has been involved in archaeology for more than 65 years. He began to flintknap in 1980 and has authored many articles and papers on experimental archaeology. In 2010 he was awarded the prestigious Don Crabtree \nAward by the Society of American Archaeology. A carpenter by trade\, he combines those skills with his experience in experimental archaeology to provide programming for libraries\, schools\, universities\, and now\, the Madison County Historical Society. \nThe Madison County Historical Society owns and operates the MCHS Archival Library at 801 N. Main Street in Edwardsville\, Illinois. Hours are Wed.-Fri. 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Sun. 1-4 p.m. The library is also open Mon.-Tues. by appointment only. MCHS is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that receives no public funding.. For more information or to learn more about Madison County history\, visit the Society’s website at https://madcohistory.org/\, or call 618-656-6579.
URL:https://madcohistory.org/event/speakers-series-larry-kinsella-chip-a-canoe-project/
LOCATION:Main Street Community Center\, 1003 N. Main Street\, Edwardsville\, IL\, 62025\, United States
CATEGORIES:Illinois,Speaker Series
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://madcohistory.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Kinsella-speaker-small3.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20240120T190000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20240121T003000
DTSTAMP:20260529T183834
CREATED:20231217T203959Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20231218T162641Z
UID:9741-1705777200-1705797000@madcohistory.org
SUMMARY:Paranormal Investigators to Re-Explore Weir House
DESCRIPTION:The Midwest Paranormal Investigators Consortium (MPIC) will be back to explore the Weir House with the intent of learning if there has been any change in paranormal activity since the building has undergone major restoration. \nThe evening will start in the Archival Library (801 N. Main St.\, Edwardsville) at 7 p.m.\, on Jan. 20\, 2024\, with a brief overview by members of MPIC on the “Dos and don’ts” of researching and investigating possible haunted sites or paranormal activity\, as well as a review of equipment used in paranormal investigation. Beginning at 8 p.m.\, the program will shift next door to the Weir House for a nighttime investigation. \nThis event is limited to 20 participants\, 15 years and older\, on a fire-come\, first-served basis. If there is a high level of interest in this program\, a wait list will be created for an additional session later in the year. \nTime: 7 p.m. – midnight (participants can leave before midnight)\, Jan. 20\, 2024 \nPlace: Madison County Archival Library\, 801 N. Main St.\, Edwardsville \nPrice: $40 (Society members\, $35) \nFor questions or to reserve a space contact Lynn Engleman\, lae2017@gmail.com or call 703-995-0806 and leave your name and contact information.
URL:https://madcohistory.org/event/paranormal-investigators-to-re-explore-weir-house/
LOCATION:Weir House Museum Building\, 715 N. Main\, Edwardsville\, IL\, 62025\, United States
CATEGORIES:Edwardsville
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://madcohistory.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Paranormal-event-pic-small3.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20230611T140000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20230611T160000
DTSTAMP:20260529T183834
CREATED:20230523T210612Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230523T212746Z
UID:8958-1686492000-1686499200@madcohistory.org
SUMMARY:MCHS Speakers Series: An Introduction to Armenian Culture\, History\, and the Armenian Genocide
DESCRIPTION:“An Introduction to Armenian Culture\, History\, and the Armenian Genocide” is the topic for the June 11 Speaker Series program from the Madison County Historical Society (MCHS). \nHistorian Norma Asadorian\, whose Armenian grandparents immigrated to Granite City\, Illinois\, will introduce the to Armenian culture and the Armenian genocide. The program will begin at 2 p.m. at the Main Street Community Center at 1003 N. Main Street in Edwardsville\, Illinois. The program is free and open to the public. \nArmenians\, and other immigrants who settled in Granite City’s Lincoln Place neighborhood\, played an important role in the development of the planned community. At the beginning of the twentieth century\, Granite City was established by the immigrant industrialist brothers Fredrick and William Niedringhaus across the Mississippi River from St. Louis. Granite City began as an industrial town producing graniteware household items and industrial steel. It was connected to other parts of the country by several railroad lines. The need for large amounts of cheap factory labor attracted thousands of immigrants\, including Hungarians\, Macedonians\, Mexicans\, and Armenians\, among many others. \nKnown to historians as “The First Genocide of the Twentieth Century\,” the Armenian Genocide is a significant event in modern Armenian history and continues to influence foreign relations with the Republic of Armenia and the lives and shared memories of Armenians and their descendants around the globe. This is what prompted the immigration of many early Granite City Armenians. \nNorma Asadorian earned a BA degree from MacMurray College in Jacksonville\, Illinois\, where she double majored in History and in Russian and East European Studies. Subsequently\, she attended SIUE where she obtained a BS degree in Education with a major in History and later an MA in History. Before her retirement in 2012\, Asadorian was an award-winning secondary school teacher for 37 years. She is the and President of the Lincoln Place Heritage Association\, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and promotion of the historical and cultural heritage of Granite City’ historic Lincoln Place neighborhood. \nThis program is the third of four offered annually by the Madison County Historical Society. All Speaker Series programs are free and open to the public. MCHS is a 501(c)3 charitable organization that owns and operates the Madison County History Museum and Archival Library at 801 N. Main Street\, Edwardsville\, Illinois. For additional information visit the MCHS website at https://madcohistory.org/ or call 618-656-1294.
URL:https://madcohistory.org/event/mchs-speakers-series-an-introduction-to-armenian-culture-history-and-the-armenian-genocide/
LOCATION:Main Street Community Center\, 1003 N. Main Street\, Edwardsville\, IL\, 62025\, United States
CATEGORIES:Edwardsville,Granite City,Lincoln Place,Speaker Series
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20230511T190000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20230511T210000
DTSTAMP:20260529T183834
CREATED:20230318T203003Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230318T203034Z
UID:8797-1683831600-1683838800@madcohistory.org
SUMMARY:An Evening with Thomas Jefferson
DESCRIPTION:The Madison County Historical Society (MCHS) and Friends of the Wildey Theat \n \ner are hosting “Thomas Jefferson: The Man and Legacy” featuring historian Kurt Smith at the Wildey Theatre on Thursday\, May 11\, at 7 p.m. \nHistorian and researcher Kurt Smith has devoted his life and career to the study and portrayal of Thomas Jefferson. He is one of only two men who work full-time introducing the public to the story of Jefferson as a man\, as well as a dynamic figure in the history of America. Smith often appears at Colonial Williamsburg where Thomas Jefferson attended college at William and Mary. \nSmith’s presentation gives an honest portrayal of Jefferson in all his humanity as a hopeful\, flawed\, passionate human being. \nThe historic Wildey Theatre in Edwardsville\, Illinois is located at 252 N. Main Street. Thanks to the \nsupport of the Lewis and Clark Historical Society\, this event is free and open to the public. No tickets are required. For additional information about this event\, call MCHS at 618-656-1294.
URL:https://madcohistory.org/event/an-evening-with-thomas-jefferson/
LOCATION:Wildey Theatre\, 252 N. Main\, Edwardsville\, 62025\, United States
CATEGORIES:History
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20230507T140000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20230507T140000
DTSTAMP:20260529T183834
CREATED:20230505T183235Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230505T184459Z
UID:8903-1683468000-1683468000@madcohistory.org
SUMMARY:Free MCHS Program: Migration and Health in National and Global History
DESCRIPTION:The Madison County Historical Society (MCHS) will offer two new exhibits and a companion program beginning May 7 and May 10. “Migration and Health in National and Global History\,” will be presented Sunday\, May 7\, at 2 p.m. at the Main Street Community Center at 1003 N. Main Street in Edwardsville. \nThe speaker\, Kathleen Vongsathorn\, is an Associate Professor of History at SIUE where she teaches the history of health\, disease and science. The program was created to showcase the two exhibits to follow on May 10.
URL:https://madcohistory.org/event/free-mchs-program-migration-and-health-in-national-and-global-history/
LOCATION:Weir House Museum Building\, 715 N. Main\, Edwardsville\, IL\, 62025\, United States
CATEGORIES:Featured,History,Illinois,Immigrant
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20230225T100000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20230225T140000
DTSTAMP:20260529T183834
CREATED:20230211T221315Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230211T223709Z
UID:8671-1677319200-1677333600@madcohistory.org
SUMMARY:History Harvest: Wood River
DESCRIPTION:Current or former residents of Madison County are invited to attend a third “History Harvest” on Saturday\, February 25 from 10 A.M. – 2 P.M. at Wood River Public Library. The library is located at 326 E. Ferguson Ave\, Wood River. The focus of the History Harvest is to collect information for a future exhibit about immigration and migration to Madison County.  \nThe History Harvest is collaborative effort of MCHS staff and volunteers with students and faculty from SIUE’s IRIS Center and Department of History. It is supported by a SHARP grant from the American Historical Association and the National Endowment for the Humanities.  \nIf area residents know the story of how or why their family moved to Madison County and have documentation\, the Society asks that they bring them to this event where items will be scanned to make their family part of the recorded story of Madison County. Participants will be given a USB drive with high-quality digital images of their items.  \nWalk-ins are welcome but reservations are recommended. To make an appointment\, go to: https://bit.ly/wood-river-harvest\, email margars@siue.edu.
URL:https://madcohistory.org/event/history-harvest-wood-river/
LOCATION:Wood River Public Library\, 326 E. Ferguson Ave.\, Wood River\, 62095
CATEGORIES:Collinsville,History
ORGANIZER;CN="Madison County Historical Society":MAILTO:madisoncountyhistoryil@gmail.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20230121T110000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20230121T140000
DTSTAMP:20260529T183834
CREATED:20230114T210231Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230114T210313Z
UID:8598-1674298800-1674309600@madcohistory.org
SUMMARY:History Harvest: Immigration and Migration
DESCRIPTION:Current or former residents of Madison County are invited to attend a second “History Harvest” on Saturday\, January 21 from 11 A.M. – 2 P.M. at Collinsville Memorial Library. The library is located at 408 West Main Street in Collinsville. The focus of the History Harvest is to collect information for a future exhibit about immigration and migration to Madison County.  \nThe History Harvest is collaborative effort of MCHS staff and volunteers with students and faculty from SIUE’s IRIS Center and Department of History. It is supported by a SHARP grant from the American Historical Association and the National Endowment for the Humanities.  \nIf area residents know the story of how or why their family moved to Madison County and have documentation\, the Society asks that they bring them to this event where items will be scanned to make their family part of the recorded story of Madison County. Participants will be given a USB drive with high-quality digital images of their items.  \nWalk-ins are welcome but reservations are recommended. To make an appointment\, go to: https://bit.ly/collinsville-harvest\, email margars@siue.edu\, or call 618-656-1294.
URL:https://madcohistory.org/event/history-harvest-immigration-and-migration/
LOCATION:Collinsville Memorial Library\, 408 West Main\, Collinsville\, IL\, 62234\, United States
CATEGORIES:Collinsville,History
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20221106T120000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20221106T150000
DTSTAMP:20260529T183834
CREATED:20221005T170019Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20221005T170328Z
UID:8430-1667736000-1667746800@madcohistory.org
SUMMARY:Dining in History -- Annual MCHS Meeting
DESCRIPTION:Dining in History is an annual MCHS event held at an historic property in Madison County where guests can enjoy a meal and learn about the venue through a program and guided tours. This year the Society is hosting the event at the Old Bakery Brew Company in Alton that is in the former Colonial Bakery building. \nIn earlier years participants have explored the Wildey Theatre\, learned about the Alton Dam\, and dined in the rotunda of the Madison County Courthouse to celebrate its Centennial. The Dining in History event also serves as the Society’s Annual Meeting for the purpose of electing Board members. \n\n\n\nSchedule \n\nBrewery Tours: Noon and 12:30 p.m. & social hour. (Please indicate which time slot you want under remarks when making your reservation)\nBuffet Luncheon: 1 p.m. (Herbed chicken breast\, roast beef\, potatoes\, salad\, dessert\, beverage and more)\nCash Bar\nMCHS Annual Meeting\nProgram: Beer and Bread: The History of Breweries and Bakeries in Alton by Lacy McDonald and Don Huber\n\n\n\nTickets \n$45 for MCHS members \n$55 for non-members \nReservation deadline is Oct. 21. \nCall 618-656-1294 for more information \n\n\n\n\n  \n\n\n\n 
URL:https://madcohistory.org/event/dining-history-meeting/
LOCATION:Old Bakery Beer Company\, 400 Landmarks Blvd\, Alton\, IL\, 62002\, United States
CATEGORIES:Alton,Dining in History,Dinner,Featured,History
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20221029T183000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20221029T183000
DTSTAMP:20260529T183834
CREATED:20221005T164242Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20221005T164242Z
UID:8427-1667068200-1667068200@madcohistory.org
SUMMARY:Peering into the Past -- Paranormally
DESCRIPTION:The Madison County Historical Society invites all history buffs\, skeptics\, and paranormal enthusiasts to attend a program entitled “Introduction to Paranormal Investigating\,” with an opportunity to participate in a paranormal investigation of Weir House. The event will be held on Saturday\, Oct. 29. \nPhoto credit: Lynn Watkins Photography \nThe evening will start at the Archival Library (801 N. Main. St.\, Edwardsville) at 6:30 p.m. with a seminar by members of the Midwest Paranormal Investigators Consortium on the “Dos and Don’ts” of researching and investigating possible haunted sites or paranormal activity\, as well as a review of equipment used in paranormal investigation. They will also cover ways to “debunk” those weird feelings and bumps in the night. Beginning at 8 p.m. the program will shift next door to the Weir House for a nighttime investigation. \nThis event is limited to 20 participants\, 15 years and older\, on a first-come\, first-served basis. If there is a high level of interest in this program\, a wait list will be created for an additional session later in the years. \nTime: 6:30 p.m. – midnight (participants can leave before midnight) \n\n  \n\n\n\n 
URL:https://madcohistory.org/event/peering-past-paranormal/
LOCATION:Madison County Archival Library\, 801 North Main Street\, Edwardsville\, IL\, 62025\, United States
CATEGORIES:Edwardsville,Featured,History
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20221015T123000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20221015T133000
DTSTAMP:20260529T183834
CREATED:20220915T015210Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220915T015210Z
UID:8331-1665837000-1665840600@madcohistory.org
SUMMARY:Vintage Baseball Game
DESCRIPTION:Join us at the Winston Brown Recreation Center in Edwardsville for an old-fashioned game of base ball\, using the official 1860 rulebook where baseball was spelled “base ball.” \nAnd that’s not the only difference! Come for batting practice at 12:30 (kids over 10 and adults) or for the game at 1:30 p.m. when the Belleville Stags face-off against the St. Louis Brown Stockings. \nMCHS will host a concession stand with the usual modern-day and 1860 baseball favorites\, hotdogs\, popcorn\, Crackerjacks\, and\, of course\, beer. \n \n\n \n\n\n\n 
URL:https://madcohistory.org/event/vintage-baseball-game-mchs/
LOCATION:Winston Brown Rec Complex\, 1325 Shiller Ave.\, Edwardsville\, IL\, 62025\, United States
CATEGORIES:Edwardsville,Featured,History
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20220924T100000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20220924T160000
DTSTAMP:20260529T183834
CREATED:20220825T233510Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220825T234027Z
UID:8260-1664013600-1664035200@madcohistory.org
SUMMARY:Family History Walk
DESCRIPTION:The Madison County Historical Society and City of Edwardsville will present a Family History Walk on Saturday\, Sept. 24\, from 1 a.m. – 4 p.m. The event will feature re-enactors who will help bring local history alive. \nThe self-guided tour begins at the Madison County Museum\, located at 801 N. Main St.\, Edwardsville. Events are planned at Old Lincoln School (10 a.m. and 1 p.m.\, Columbus School (11 a.m. and 2 p.m.)\, the Weir House (noon and 3 p.m.)\, and the Wildey Theatre  (10 a.m. & 1 p.m.).
URL:https://madcohistory.org/event/family-history-walk/
LOCATION:Madison County Archival Library\, 801 North Main Street\, Edwardsville\, IL\, 62025\, United States
CATEGORIES:Edwardsville,Featured,History
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20220718T090000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20220721T150000
DTSTAMP:20260529T183834
CREATED:20220604T032624Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220709T220251Z
UID:8058-1658134800-1658415600@madcohistory.org
SUMMARY:History Camp for Kids -- A Week of Adventures
DESCRIPTION:A four-day History Camp for Kids will be held July 18-21 at the Center for Educational Opportunities\, 201 Staunton Road\, Troy\, Illinois. Geared for Madison County students aged 9-11\, each day begins at 9 a.m. and ends at 3 p.m.\, and will include a field trip to an historic site in Madison County and history-based learning activities. \nThe cost per child is $100 which includes transportation to the sites\, entry fees\, educational materials\, and snacks. Participants must bring a sack lunch each day. Online registration is at bit.ly/madcohistorycamp. \nCampers will visit the Lewis and Clark Museum\, the National Great Rivers Lock and Dam\, the Confluence Tower\, the Phillips 66 Museum of the Petroleum Industry\, the Phillips 66 Refinery\, a Lincoln-Douglas debate site\, an Underground Railroad tunnel\, and other historic sites related to the Abolitionist Movement. Participants should expect to do outdoor walking\, often on uneven terrain. \nThe camp is a first-time collaborative effort between the Madison County Historical Society and the Madison County Regional Office of Education 41. All the camp coordinators have a background in historical studies and will provide instruction and guidance for the camp. The coordinators include Norma Asadorian\, an educator and historian\, Carol Manning\, former education coordinator for the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library\, and Dr. Robert Daiber\, former Madison County Regional Superintendent of Schools. Additional historians\, re-enactors\, and staff also will provide learning experiences\, supervision and support.  \nRegistration is limited to the first thirty participants. For additional information\, call 618-830-1647.
URL:https://madcohistory.org/event/history-camp-for-kids-a-week-of-adventures/
LOCATION:Center for Educational Opportunities\, 201 Staunton Rd\, Troy\, IL\, 62294\, United States
CATEGORIES:History
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20191020T120000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20191020T170000
DTSTAMP:20260529T183834
CREATED:20191017T041941Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20210131T180218Z
UID:3789-1571572800-1571590800@madcohistory.org
SUMMARY:28th Annual Leclaire ParkfestOct 20\, 2019
DESCRIPTION:Join the Madison County Historical Society as they participate in the 28th Annual Leclaire Parkfest on Sunday\, October 20\, from Noon to 5 p.m. at Leclaire Park on Hale Avenue in Edwardsville\, IL. The festival features three bands: Dixieland Jazz by the Riverside Jazz Trio (Noon – 2:30 pm)\, followed by Bluegrass and other old-time folk music from the Lodge Brothers (2:30 pm-5 pm) at the bandstand. On the east side of the park\, Greg Silsby & Friends will play Americana music (1 pm-3:30 pm). A Wine and Beer Garden is complimented by a wide variety of delicious festival food provided by local non-profit organizations and food vendors.  Local artisans and crafters will have their work on display and available for purchase.  Games\, pet adoptions\, vintage cars and tractors and other family activities provide something for every age.  The St. Andrew’s Relay for Life Team will host the annual Leclaire Parkfest book sale with thousands of books available at bargain prices\, all to benefit the American Cancer Society \n  \nLeclaire Parkfest celebrates the history and heritage of the Leclaire National Historic District\, a neighborhood in Edwardsville that from 1890-1934 for a separate village founded by a St. Louis manufacturer who wanted to create a better work/home environment for his employees. It was an experiment in cooperative living that succeeded until the Great Depression made it necessary for the village to be annexed to the City of Edwardsville. \n  \nThe village’s former N. O. Nelson Manufacturing Company buildings are now the Historic N. O. Nelson Campus of Lewis and Clark Community College. The Leclaire Schoolhouse is a children’s museum and baseball has been played at Leclaire Field since 1890. Leclaire Park\, where thousands came by train from St. Louis on hot summer days a century ago to spend a day in the country\, still welcomes visitors for a quiet respite\, although swimming and boating are no longer permitted on the lake. The historic neighborhood has over 400 homes and an incredible story. Exhibits of historic photos and narrated trolley tours tell the unique story of Leclaire at the festival. \n  \nAt the Society’s booth you’ll find exhibits on Madison County history\, a few sale items\, a Madison County Trivia game and much more. Stop by to renew your membership for 2020\, to play the game\, or just to say “Hi!” \n  \nNo admission is charged for the festival which\, in the tradition of the former Village of Leclaire\, is free and open to all. For additional information\, call 618-656-1294\, visit the Friends of Leclaire web site at http://www.historic-leclaire.org/ or visit the festival’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/LeclaireParkfest/ 2019 festival sponsors include Busey Bank\, Attorney Keith Short\, Cassens (Dodge\, Chrysler\, Jeep\, Ram)\, Creative Options Graphic Design\, Taqueria Z\, and Krause Properties.
URL:https://madcohistory.org/event/28th-annual-leclaire-parkfest/
LOCATION:Leclaire Park\, 900 Hale Avenue\, Edwardsville\, IL\, 62025\, United States
CATEGORIES:Featured,Leclaire
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://madcohistory.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Parkfest-FeaturedImage-2.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20191013T140000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20191013T160000
DTSTAMP:20260529T183834
CREATED:20191008T035524Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20191015T154724Z
UID:3401-1570975200-1570982400@madcohistory.org
SUMMARY:MCHS Speaker Series: The Underground Railroad: Two Case Studies - Oct 13\, 2019
DESCRIPTION:MCHS Speaker Series:  The Underground Railroad in Madison County: Two Case Studies \nHistorian J. Eric Robinson will be the speaker for the final 2019 MCHS Speaker Series program on Sunday\, October 13 at 2 p.m. in the fellowship hall of Immanuel United Methodist Church\, 800 N. Main Street in Edwardsville\, Illinois. His program\, “Gertrude Barlabie\, Amanda Kitchell and Those Who Helped Them\,” tells the story of two St. Louis slaves who in 1853 escaped to freedom to Canada via the Underground Railroad of northwestern Madison County.  \n 
URL:https://madcohistory.org/event/speakerseries-jericrobinson/
LOCATION:Immanuel Methodist Church – Lower Level\, 800 N. Main Street\, Edwardsville\, IL\, 62025\, United States
CATEGORIES:Featured,History,Speaker Series
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://madcohistory.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/J.-E.-Robinson-by-Eric-Pan.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Madison County Historical Society":MAILTO:madisoncountyhistoryil@gmail.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20180819T140000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20180819T160000
DTSTAMP:20260529T183834
CREATED:20180530T200012Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20180530T200012Z
UID:1248-1534687200-1534694400@madcohistory.org
SUMMARY:Lewis & Clark In Illinois
DESCRIPTION:Illinois was the “Point of Departure” on May 14\, 1804\, for the Lewis and Clark Expedition that left from the eastern banks of the Mississippi River at the Wood River confluence and began their two and one half year journey to explore the Louisiana Territory and search for a passage to the Pacific Ocean. Illinois is often not considered part of the expedition\, but in fact the men spent more time in Illinois than any other state except North Dakota. Site Superintendent\, Brad Winn of the Lewis and Clark State Historic Site\, will present a program retelling this often overlooked Illinois Story.
URL:https://madcohistory.org/event/lewis-clark-in-illinois/
LOCATION:Immanuel Methodist Church – Lower Level\, 800 N. Main Street\, Edwardsville\, IL\, 62025\, United States
CATEGORIES:History,Illinois
ORGANIZER;CN="Madison County Historical Society":MAILTO:madisoncountyhistoryil@gmail.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20180610T140000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20180610T160000
DTSTAMP:20260529T183834
CREATED:20180530T195306Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20180530T200114Z
UID:1244-1528639200-1528646400@madcohistory.org
SUMMARY:Emancipation In Illinois
DESCRIPTION:Many people assume that since Illinois was a northern free state\, that there was no slavery here. But it’s a bit more complicated. Chattel slavery in the territorial years\, indentured servitude\, slavery exemptions in at least five counties\, and gradual emancipation all meant that unfree labor was a constant in Illinois leading up to the Civil War. \n \nDr. Bryan Jack (at left) will provide an overview of slavery and unfree labor in Illinois. Jack is an associate professor of historical studies at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.
URL:https://madcohistory.org/event/emancipation-in-illinois/
LOCATION:Immanuel Methodist Church – Lower Level\, 800 N. Main Street\, Edwardsville\, IL\, 62025\, United States
CATEGORIES:History,Illinois,Slavery
ORGANIZER;CN="Madison County Historical Society":MAILTO:madisoncountyhistoryil@gmail.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20171105
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20171106
DTSTAMP:20260529T183834
CREATED:20170920T160358Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20180828T061652Z
UID:372-1509840000-1509926399@madcohistory.org
SUMMARY:Dining In History: Wood River Refinery Centennial
DESCRIPTION:Click here for a PDF version of this flyer\, including the reservation form.
URL:https://madcohistory.org/event/dining-in-history-wood-river-refinery-centennial/
LOCATION:Rox-Arena\, 2 Park Drive\, Roxana\, IL\, 62084\, United States
CATEGORIES:Dining in History,Dinner,History,Illinois,Industry,Roxana,Wood River
ORGANIZER;CN="Madison County Historical Society":MAILTO:madisoncountyhistoryil@gmail.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20171015T120000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20171015T170000
DTSTAMP:20260529T183834
CREATED:20170922T075545Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20170922T084543Z
UID:423-1508068800-1508086800@madcohistory.org
SUMMARY:Leclaire Parkfest
DESCRIPTION:Join MCHS at 26th Annual Leclaire Parkfest on Sunday\, October 15th from noon to 5 pm at Leclaire Park on Hale Avenue in Edwardsville\, IL. The festival features three bands: Dixieland Jazz by the St. Louis Levee Band Trio (Noon – 2:30 pm)\, followed by Bluegrass and other old time folk music from the Lodge Brothers (2:30 pm-5 pm) at the bandstand. On the east side of the park\, Mike Zanger & Friends will play Americana music (1 pm-3:30 pm). A Wine and Beer Garden is complimented by a wide variety of delicious festival food provided by local non-profit organizations. Local artisans and crafters will have their work on display and available for purchase. Games\, pet adoptions\, vintage cars and tractors and other family activities provide something for every age. The St. Andrew’s Relay for Life Team will host the annual Leclaire Parkfest book sale with thousands of books available at bargain prices. Exhibits of historic photos and narrated trolley tours tell the unique story of the Leclaire National Historic District. For additional information\, call 618-656-1294 or visit the Friends of Leclaire web site at www.historic-leclaire.org. \n  \n  \nFriends of Leclaire (FOL) has hosted the popular Leclaire Parkfest every third Sunday in October since 1990. Located on the tree-lined grounds of beautiful Leclaire Park at Hale Avenue\, the famous Leclaire Parkfest is one of Edwardsville’s signature festivals. \n  \nParking for Leclaire Parkfest is available at Leclaire School on Franklin Avenue (2 blocks east of the festival)\, at the Historic Nelson Campus of LCCC (3 blocks north of the festival) or on the streets of Leclaire. \nProceeds benefit the community development and philanthropic activities of Friends of Leclaire.
URL:https://madcohistory.org/event/leclaire-parkfest/
LOCATION:Leclaire Park\, 900 Hale Avenue\, Edwardsville\, IL\, 62025\, United States
CATEGORIES:Edwardsville,History,Leclaire
ORGANIZER;CN="Friends of Leclaire":MAILTO:friends@historic-leclaire.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20171001T140000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20171001T160000
DTSTAMP:20260529T183834
CREATED:20170901T150048Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20170920T150343Z
UID:365-1506866400-1506873600@madcohistory.org
SUMMARY:Adventurers\, Crusaders\, and Entrepreneurs:  The Women of Illinois Route 66
DESCRIPTION:Cheryl Eichar Jett will present a program on the bold women who became part of the Illinois legend of Route 66 for the Madison County Historical Society. The presentation will be held on Sunday\, October 1 at 2 p.m. at the Madison County Archival Library at 801 N. Main Street in Edwardsville\, Illinois. \n \nThe women of Illinois 66 included entrepreneurs who ran theaters\, ballrooms\, motels and restaurants as well as many divergent personalities and talents from the adventurous Gypsy Coeds to the crusading Mother Jones. Jett tells the tales of these women who worked along Illinois’s 300 miles of Route 66. A slide show accompanies Jett’s presentation on the women and their contributions to what we celebrate as the culture of Route 66. \nJett is a nationally recognized authority on Route 66 and the author of six books\, four of them on America’s favorite highway. She is a regular contributor to several regional publications including The 66 News\, the Route 66 Association of Illinois magazine\, and a regular column on Route 66 in the Prairie Land Buzz. She is currently working on a book about women on historic Route 66 and is presenting programs and producing magazine articles based on her research in advance of the book’s publication. She blogs about her travels and research at www.route66chick.com. Jett is also an award-winning writ­er of short fiction. \nJett holds undergraduate and master’s degrees in his­tory from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. She lives in Edwardsville\, and currently serves on the board of directors of Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway and as president of the (Illinois Route 66) Blue Carpet Corridor Coalition. \nMCHS programs are free and open to the public. Regular hours at the Madison County Archival Library are Wed – Fri\, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Sun\, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. The Madison County Historical Museum is currently closed for renovations. For additional information\, call 618-656-7569.
URL:https://madcohistory.org/event/adventurers-crusaders-and-entrepreneurs-the-women-of-illinois-route-66/
LOCATION:Madison County Archival Library\, 801 North Main Street\, Edwardsville\, IL\, 62025\, United States
CATEGORIES:History,Illinois,Route 66,Women
ORGANIZER;CN="Madison County Historical Society":MAILTO:madisoncountyhistoryil@gmail.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20170923T110000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20170923T170000
DTSTAMP:20260529T183834
CREATED:20170914T074328Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20170922T074354Z
UID:407-1506164400-1506186000@madcohistory.org
SUMMARY:Lincoln Place Heritage Festival
DESCRIPTION:Join MCHS at the Lincoln Place Heritage Festival on Saturday\, September 23\, 2017 from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM at the Lincoln Place Community Center in Granite City. \nCelebrate the varied cultures of the historic Lincoln Place neighborhood at this family friendly event.  Admission is free and parking is free.  Immigrant cultures represented include Macedonia\, Bulgaria\, Armenia\, Hungary\, Mexico\, Croatia\, Russia\, England\, Ireland\, and Scotland. \nSome of what you can expect and appreciate include: \nEthnic foods and pastries\nEthnic folk dancers and folk music\nOpen folk dancing led by the University City Folk Dance Troupe\nDisplays of photographs\, historical artifacts\, and oral histories\nCostumes of Eastern Europe\nLincoln Place quilt display\nMacedonian beadwork demonstration\nNumerous product vendors\, crafters\, jewelry\, and old fashioned candy\nFace painting\, balloon craft\, a juggler\, and a magic show\nChildren’s book sale\nAppalachian Mountain dulcimer\, Celtic harp\, and country fiddle\nStrong man demonstration and competition\nApple pie baking contest (open to all) \nNo pets\, alcohol\, smoking\, coolers\, glass containers\, outside food or drink permitted in the Lincoln Place Community Center or the surrounding park. \nDirections: I-270 to IL Rte. 3 South to Niedringhaus Ave.\, Granite City\, IL\nOr McKinley Bridge to Rte. 3 North to Niedringhaus Ave.\, Granite City\, IL\nQuestions? Call Lincoln Place Heritage Association\, 618-451-2611.
URL:https://madcohistory.org/event/lincoln-place-heritage-festival/
LOCATION:Lincoln Place Community Center\, 822 Niedringhaus Avenue\, Granite City\, IL\, 62040\, United States
CATEGORIES:Granite City,History,Immigrant,Lincoln Place
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20170910T140000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20170910T160000
DTSTAMP:20260529T183834
CREATED:20170920T144450Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20170920T144450Z
UID:361-1505052000-1505059200@madcohistory.org
SUMMARY:Steel and Solidarity in Granite City
DESCRIPTION:Local labor union historian Gary Gaines will give a program on the Steelworkers Unions on Sunday\, September 10 at 2 p.m. at the Madison County Archival Library at 801 N. Main Street in Edwardsville\, Illinois. \nGary Gaines. \nAccording to Gaines\, steelmaking in Granite City was almost an accident. The Niedringhaus brothers started their business across the river\, but St. Louis leaders didn’t like the noise\, dirt or the smell of the factories. When it was time to expand\, the Niedringhaus brothers purchased 3\,500 acres of inexpensive ground in Illinois. The area was a farming community known then as Kinderhook that eventually became Granite City\, named for their product\, graniteware. This is the story of how they built their small enamel cookware business into a sprawling steel mill that\, unfortunately\, to­day sits partly idle. \nIt is also the story of how the men they hired brought their old craft guild skills and values to the job\, and formed union lodges beginning in 1899. At the same time that Andrew Carnegie and other industrialists were destroying unions in their mills\, the lodges flourished in Granite City. The union men\, with the approval of the company that built the town\, took over city govern­ment and “socialism” ruled for nearly thirty years during the early history of Granite City. \nPresenter Gary Gaines is a life-long resident of the Granite City area and a third generation steelworker who was first hired at Granite City Steel in 1970. His grandfa­ther Louis Madsen was a founding member of the union there. His father\, an uncle\, wife Norma\, two brothers\, and three cousins have been employed there. He retired in 2008 from the Security Department. \nDuring his employment he also served in every elected position in his local union of security officers and was elected Financial Secretary when five local unions in the plant merged. He also served as a health and safety rep­resentative for many years and travelled to other USW sites to train workers. Upon his retirement\, he was the senior peer trainer for the entire union. \nMCHS programs are free and open to the public. Regular hours at the Madison County Archival Library are Wed – Fri\, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Sun\, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. The Madison County Historical Museum is currently closed for renovations. For additional information\, call 618-656-7569.
URL:https://madcohistory.org/event/steel-and-solidarity-in-granite-city/
LOCATION:Madison County Archival Library\, 801 North Main Street\, Edwardsville\, IL\, 62025\, United States
CATEGORIES:Granite City,History,Industry
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://madcohistory.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/GaryGaines.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Madison County Historical Society":MAILTO:madisoncountyhistoryil@gmail.com
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR