Family History Walk – 2024

On Saturday, September 14, the Madison County Historical Society’s Family History Walk will take place in Edwardsville’s Leclaire National Historic District. This is a free event offered by MCHS to build awareness of and interest in the community around us. It is made possible through an Illinois Humanities Community Grant.

Participants will meet at the Nickel Plate Station, 600 Troy Road in Edwardsville, at 10 a.m. After a brief introduction, a guide will lead them to various locations where actors portraying former Leclaire residents will greet them at each stop and tell the stories of their lives in Leclaire a century ago. Visitors will, of course, meet Leclaire founder, N. O. Nelson, as well as his daughter, Julia Lawnin, bathtub maker Fred Merkle, schoolteacher Mildred Shaw, housewife Emma Sehnert, cabinetmaker Charles Vollentine, and junk dealer Frank Mack. All will tell stories of their lives in Leclaire a century ago.

In past years, the Annual Family History Walk focused on downtown Edwardsville. This is the first time the event has been held in Leclaire. Allow approximately two hours to complete the walk. For more information, contact the Madison County Historical Society at 618-656-1294.