Vandalism at Madison County Historical Museum

The Madison County Historical Society was saddened to learn on Dec. 11 that one of the Society buildings at 715 N. Main Street in Edwardsville was vandalized most likely on the evening of Dec. 10, 2020.

The purpose of the Museum and Library is to open doors to the history of all people of Madison County. This thoughtless act of vandalism attempts to erase history and only leads to increased intolerance.

The museum building was built in 1836 for John Weir, one of Madison County’s early physicians and a man known as an abolitionist.

The house passed through several generations of the Weir family before being purchased for a museum by the Madison County Historical Society in 1963. The museum building is currently closed for renovations.

Through a museum partnership with Madison County, the building is leased by the County. County employees were out early today removing the graffiti from the building.

The Madison County Archival Library building, located next door to the museum building, was not damaged. At the present time, the Library remains open regular hours (Wed-Fri, 9-4; Sun 1-4) but with restrictions. Reservations are strongly recommended since conditions could change at any time and the number of patrons allowed in the building is limited. Those interested should call 618-656-7569 to reserve a time for research.