Peoria Historical Society: Preserving Local Stories
Discover Peoria's past through exhibits, tours, and research at the Peoria Historical Society. Explore local history and cultural heritage.
The Peoria Historical Society is dedicated to preserving, sharing, and celebrating the history of the Peoria area. Officially incorporated in 1934, the society's mission is to enhance the quality of life in the Peoria area by collecting, preserving, and displaying items related to its history. They encourage and support historical research and education, and promote public interest in the contributions of the people and organizations of Peoria. The society operates two historic house museums: the John C. Flanagan House Museum and the Pettengill-Morron House Museum. The John C. Flanagan House Museum, built in 1837, is the oldest standing house in Peoria. The Pettengill-Morron House has celebrated 150 years and showcases stories of abolitionists. The society also maintains a library collection on deposit at Bradley University. The Peoria Historical Society offers a variety of programs and events for both local residents and visitors. These include lectures, tours, and exhibits. The society also partners with the Peoria Riverfront Museum to display artifacts and present the history of the Peoria area.
Local tips
- Check the Peoria Historical Society's website or Facebook page for the most up-to-date information on events, exhibits, and tour schedules.
- Consider visiting both the John C. Flanagan House Museum and the Pettengill-Morron House Museum to get a broader view of Peoria's history.
- Take advantage of the guided tours offered by the Peoria Historical Society to gain deeper insights into the city's past.
A brief summary to Peoria Historical Society
- 611 SW Washington St # A, Peoria, Illinois, 61602, US
- +1309-674-1921
Getting There
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Walking
The Peoria Historical Society is located at 611 SW Washington St # A, in downtown Peoria. From the Peoria Riverfront Museum, walk south on Water Street, then turn left onto Washington Street. The Historical Society will be on your right, a short walk from the riverfront. This is a relatively short and easy walk within the downtown area.
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Public Transport
CityLink, Peoria's public transportation system, has several bus routes that stop near the Peoria Historical Society. Check the CityLink website or app for the most up-to-date schedules and routes. The Peoria Transit Center is located at 407 SW Adams Street, a few blocks from the Historical Society. From the Transit Center, walk west on Washington Street to reach the destination. A single ride fare on CityLink is typically $1.
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Parking
If driving, there are several parking lots and parking garages in downtown Peoria. Street parking is also available. Keep in mind that parking is limited to 2 hours Monday through Friday from 8 am to 5 pm. Parking is free after 5 pm and on weekends. The Peoria Civic Center has two parking lots, the Marquee Lot and the Fulton Lot. Contact Public Works at 309-494-8800 for additional parking information.
