MCHS Calendar Offers Something for Everyone

The Madison County Historical Society has an ambitious calendar of events for 2022. It hopes to increase interest in Madison County history by reaching out to the community in new and different ways. The 2022 calendar includes programs, exhibits, a children’s summer camp, walking and driving tours, and much more.

Many are not aware that while the museum building remains closed for renovations, the museum itself remains open, but in different ways. A conference room in the Archival Library has been converted to exhibit space and has two new exhibits opening on March 15 that include “The Spirit of Winter Sports” and “Windows into the Past.” The latter focuses on Native American history. The society’s website, madcohistory.org, has on-line exhibits, newsletters, and building histories. In addition, the popular MCHS Speaker Series was online during COVID with wonderful video programs created by Bob Gill. Archived copies of the award-winning MCHS News that explores a different aspect of Madison County history in each issue can be found on the website making it possible to read about the 1918 Flu Epidemic, the community at Mont Station, famous but forgotten residents of Madison County and many other topics. A Facebook page also brings interesting aspects of Madison County history to readers.

The Society has recently created two driving apps for Madison County and is working on two additional titles. The driving apps are hosted by theclio.com website, an educational platform hosting driving and walking tour applications across the country. The Society is waiting on approval of the last few entries which will include a Route 66 in Madison County tour and a Madison County architectural tour, but the material is online now. Each entry provides a brief history of a Madison County site followed by a more in-depth history of the location. The two future titles will be on Native American and Black historic sites in Madison County.

Visit the MCHS website for a complete list of 2022 events. The calendar for March-May includes the following:

Library Gallery Exhibit Openings:

Mar 15: Spirit of Winter Sports and

Windows into the Past (Focusing on Native American history)

Speaker Series:

March : Sundown Towns in Madison County (on-line)

Presenter: Prof. Bryan Jack

April: First, Do No Harm: Tips on Restoring Gravestones (on-line)

Presenter: Jeff Pauk

Workshop

May 13-14 Cemetery Restoration Workshop (Details TBA)

The Madison County Museum and Archival Library are located at 801 N. Main Street in Edwardsville. They are owned and operated by the Madison County Historical Society, a 501(c)3 charitable organization that relies on donations and membership to fund projects and programming. Regular Library hours are Wed.-Fri. 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Sun. 1-4 p.m. For additional information, call 618-656-1294.