Family History Walk

During the Family History Walk, reenactors bring history to life. The Madison County Historical Society hosts an educational tour on a Saturday in September. The tour features costumed actors positioned at historic sites who bring local history to life by portraying real people from the community’s past. Actors—including local historians and students—perform monologues in character, sharing stories of what life was like in the area decades or centuries ago. 

While the walk initially focused on downtown Edwardsville’s Main Street, the society now selects different historic neighborhoods each year. Past routes have focused on the Leclaire National Historic District and the St. Louis Street National Historic District. The event is entirely outdoors, so it is held weather permitting. Guides lead participants down the street to the porches and lawns of historic homes and buildings, but the walk does not include entrance into the private residences.

Check back for more information on this year’s tour.