Canal Warehouse Utica, IL _June 2023_Doc

LaSalle County Historical Society

Nestled in the heart of Starved Rock Country, the LaSalle County Historical Society stands as a trusted guardian of LaSalle County’s rich heritage and history. Established in 1907, our organization has been a cornerstone of local cultural preservation, dedicated to chronicling the narrative of LaSalle County’s people, places, and pivotal moments. Its mission, at once simple and profound, is to discover, collect, and preserve the historical legacy of LaSalle County, ensuring that the stories of yesteryear inform and inspire future generations.

The LaSalle County Historical Society is more than a caretaker of artifacts: it is a living bridge between past and present. Through its commitment to preservation, interpretation, and education, the Society ensures that the stories, struggles, and triumphs of LaSalle County are not only remembered but revisited and celebrated. We invite you to invest in our mission and help us continue to preserve our rich history.

The LCHS campus consists of our Canal Warehouse, Heritage Center, Canal Market, Blacksmith Shop/Barn, and One-Room Schoolhouse. The society also holds several events throughout the year, most notably our Annual Burgoo Festival and our Wild Bill Hickok Days.

Discover the rich history of LaSalle County

Welcome to the

website in process of being updated

Plan your visit today!

Hours of Operation

Our Museum Complex is open to the public Friday, Saturday, and Sunday 12-4pm.

We also open by appointment Monday - Thursday, kindly email us at

office@lasallecountyhistoricalsociety.org

(two weeks prior notice is needed for staffing)

Admissions

Visiting the LCHS Museum Campus is free- we charge no admissions fee. In return, we ask that you consider making a donation while enjoying the many exhibits and buildings that house our local history! It is these donations which keep our museum doors open to the public.

Schedule a Weekday Tour!

Special Exhibits & Programs

The Civil War & LaSalle County

March 9 through October 5, 2025 during museum hours.

A special exhibit on LaSalle County's role in the Civil War. Special regional & local memorabilia including flags, currency, and local soldiers stories. This exhibit takes up the entire second floor of our Heritage Center.

LaSalle County & The Civil War

Program by Professor Dennis Doyle

September 5, 2025

6:30 pm

During the Civil War, there were multiple Illinois Regiments that served in the US Army from LaSalle County. The Illinois regiments that were formed mostly from LaSalle County are the 12th Illinois Regiment, 20th Illinois Regiment, the 77th Illinois Regiment and the 104th Illinois Regiment. Also included are the 4th Illinois Cavalry Regiment and Cogswell's Battery from the 53rd Illinois Regiment.

Aboard the Titanic:

Connections to LaSalle County

Program by Peter Cook

November 15, 2025

1pm

Join us for a presentation by Peter Cook, American Representative for the British Titanic Society, discussing the disaster of the Titanic. This will be held at the LCHS Heritage Center.
This program is open to the public! It will be free for Society Members and $5 for guests.

LaSalle County Sheriff's Exhibit

January 16 through October 5, 2025 during museum hours.

Discover the rich history of the LaSalle County's Sheriff's office. From the Mounted Horseback Posse to stories prohibition, tommy guns and of coarse Al Capone! Special exhibit located on the first floor of our Heritage Center.

LCHS Publications:

Upcoming Offerings

LaSalle County: The Rivers & The Prairies

Written and researched by Amanda Bell-Spitzer, this 462-page book examines LaSalle County's rich history from pre-history to 1991. Featuring a classic design, this hardcover book contains interesting local stories sure to please any history lover!

Union Men, Brave and True

With information compiled and written by Civil War historian James Huffstodt, this 56-page full-color magazine explores LaSalle County's role in the Civil War. The magazine highlights many of those LaSalle County residents who fought for the Union on the frontlines and the aftermath of the War at home.

Order these Upcoming Titles Today

2025 Events

Antiquin' Weekend

April 26-27, 2025

11-5pm

Join the LCHS Canal Market at our 5th Annual Antiquin' Weeeknd in the quaint Village of North Utica!! Vintage and Antique Vendors will be set up with their unique treasures.

More Info Here!

UGC Garden Faire &

Plant Sale

June 7-8, 2025

9-4pm

Utica Garden Club will be selling Perennials & assorted plants in addition to gardening themed vendors at our Canal Market!

More Info Here!

Wild Bill Hickok Days

May 31 - June 1, 2025

The LaSalle County Historical Society invites you to join us for a weekend filled with family fun and entertainment celebrating LaSalle County's most famous native, Wild Bill Hickok. An 8 scene reenactment as well as an 80 minute live arena show will be sure to captivate the family!

More Info Here!

Utica Craft Brew Bazaar & Food Truck Event

August 23, 2025

EVENT CANCELED

E.B. Thornton Endowment

The LaSalle County Historical Society announced a $25,000 Endowment has been established in memory of local historian, preservationist and long-time supporter of the Historical Society, Edmund B. Thornton. The Endowment, received from the Edmund B. Thornton Foundation, will be used for reimbursement of compensation paid for interns.

The Officers and Board of Directors along with the Staff and Members of the Society are honored to have received this generous gift from Susan and Taylor Thornton, the wife and daughter of Edmund, on behalf of the Thornton Foundation.

Beginning in 2025, the Society will utilize endowment funds to hire interns who will assist in the collection, preservation, and education of LaSalle County history. College students studying history, or a related subject will have priority in filling these part-time or short-term paid positions. Important duties such as assisting with collections research & digitization projects, drafting articles, and helping with Museum events are examples of jobs interns perform.

Intern Application