Pettengill-Morron House Museum: A Step Back in Time

The Pettengill-Morron House Museum, nestled in Peoria's historic Moss-High District, provides a captivating journey into the past. Built in 1868 for Moses Pettengill, a hardware merchant and social reformer, the Second Empire-style home reflects the grandeur of the Victorian era. The house boasts eleven rooms filled with a unique collection of objects from several Peoria families, offering a rich tapestry of local history.In 1900, a Colonial Revival porch and porte-cochere were added, enhancing the home's elegant appearance. Jean McLean Morron, a lifelong Peoria native known for her philanthropy, acquired the property in 1953 and resided there until her death in 1966. Upon her passing, she bequeathed the house and its contents to the Peoria Historical Society.The museum's collection features furniture, artwork, artifacts, and textiles dating from the mid-18th to mid-20th centuries. These items offer insights into the lives of the Pettengill and Morron families, as well as the broader history of Peoria. The house itself is a testament to architectural styles and societal changes over time. The Pettengill-Morron House was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1976 and is recognized as a landmark by the Central Illinois Landmark Foundation.