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Rock Island County Historical Society: Preserving Local Heritage

Explore Rock Island County's past through exhibits, archives, and historical collections in Moline, Illinois.

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The Rock Island County Historical Society, founded in 1905, is dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich history of Rock Island County, Illinois. Located in Moline, the society features a museum, archives, and a research library, offering valuable insights into the region's past.

A brief summary to Rock Island County Historical Society

Local tips

  • Check the society's website or call ahead for information on current exhibits and special events.
  • Consider becoming a member to support the society's mission and receive benefits like newsletters and reduced research fees.
  • Utilize the free Wi-Fi and public computers available in the research area.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Moline Public Library, head east on 12th Avenue towards 8th Street. Turn right onto 8th Street and walk two blocks south to 10th Avenue. Turn left onto 10th Avenue and walk four blocks east. Turn right onto 12th street and walk one block south to 11th Avenue. Turn left onto 11th Avenue; the Rock Island County Historical Society will be on your left. The walk is approximately 10 minutes.

  • Driving

    From downtown Moline, take 5th Avenue east. Turn north onto 11th Street. Turn east onto 11th Avenue. The Rock Island County Historical Society will be on your left. Parking is available on the street. Note that parking may be limited during peak hours.

  • Public Transport

    The closest MetroLINK bus stop is at the corner of 12th Avenue and 8th Street, a few blocks from the historical society. From there, walk south on 8th Street to 10th Avenue, then east to 12th Street, then south to 11th Avenue, then east to the Rock Island County Historical Society. A single ride fare on MetroLINK is $1.00.

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Discover more about Rock Island County Historical Society

The Rock Island County Historical Society (RICHS) stands as a cornerstone of local history preservation in Moline, Illinois. Established in 1905, the society's mission is to study, collect, preserve, and disseminate the history of Rock Island County. The society operates from a historic 1870s home, built by Edmund Atkinson and later owned by Burton Peek, president of Deere & Company. Mrs. Charles Deere Wiman donated the house to the historical society in 1963. In 1992, an adjoining research archival library was added. The library is a valuable resource for genealogists, businesses, news media, and the academic community. The library holds a wealth of materials, including atlases, maps, city directories, newspapers, postcards, photographs, manuscripts, and oral histories. The society also provides free access to a digital archive of historical newspapers through a partnership with Advantage Archives. This archive contains over 145,468 pages of historical records. Visitors can explore exhibits and delve into the county's past through various collections. The Rock Island County Historical Society also hosts special events and programs throughout the year.

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