St. Clair County Historical Society

06/01/2026

We’re pleased and proud that our exhibit panels from Miles Davis: Modes & Modalities are currently on view at House of Miles East St. Louis !

It’s even more exciting that they’re a small part of their celebrations making the centennial of Miles’s birth.

Make it a point to visit H.O.M.E. during the centennial year.

05/29/2026

On June 20th, step back in time and experience the day Abraham Lincoln visited Belleville during one of the most pivotal election seasons in American history.

Join us for a guided walking tour through historic downtown Belleville, tracing the footsteps of Lincoln and other prominent Illinois leaders as they visited in October of 1856.

The tour is one of the many activities planned for the Belleville History Field Day.

Free tour; registration required.

Register here: https://buytickets.at/stclaircountyhistoricalsociety/2165064

05/28/2026

Celebrate a century of the Belleville Masonic Temple at a public open house this Saturday, May 30th.

See the flier for more details.

05/28/2026

In the 1890 Leslie’s spread on East St. Louis, industry features prominently. See the key to identify the factories.

After raising the streets in the late 1880s, Mayor M.M. Stephens led the charge to encourage more industrial investment in the city.

This development would rapidly progress during the 1890s, interrupted only by the damage of the infamous 1896 Cyclone.

The city became an economic powerhouse in the late 19th century, with all of the positives and negatives wrought by industrial development.

05/27/2026

Remember the Belleville American Legion baseball team photo we posted recently?

Thanks to your help, we identified all of the players.

With your tips and memories, we found a similar photo in the Belleville Daily Advocate. It appeared on the front page on July 8, 1955.

People working together to tell our stories. For us, nothing is better.

Thanks to all!

05/27/2026

The Glo-Bingo Night on Friday, May 29th is CANCELED.

If you bought tickets, you will receive a refund.

We apologize for any inconvenience.

05/26/2026

Celebrate America 250 with a fun, free day of local history in downtown Belleville!
You’ll explore:
• Historical demonstrations
• Exhibits and workshops
• Short films
• Live music
• Lincoln in Belleville walking tour
Hands-on activities for all ages
Block party with food and drink.

See the flier for more information or click here: https://www.facebook.com/events/1631995831145690

05/26/2026

When reform mayor John Chamberlin took office in East St. Louis in 1913, he promised to crack down on corruption, gambling, prostitution, and illegal saloons. His efforts quickly put him at odds with the city’s powerful political bosses and business interests who profited from the city’s “wide open” reputation.

The fierce political battles of Chamberlin’s administration reflected the larger tensions shaping East St. Louis during the Progressive Era: rapid industrial growth, corruption, and struggles over who would control the future of the city.

Photo: East St. Louis Daily Journal, December 21, 1913; corrected with AI.

05/25/2026

Our museums are CLOSED today in honor of Memorial Day.

Read the words of Maj. Gen. John A. Logan on the meaning of this observance.

He and his fellow Union veterans wanted to insure that their fallen comrades and their sacrifice were never forgotten.

So let it be for all of those who died in service to our country.

05/21/2026

On June 20th, step back in time and experience the day Abraham Lincoln visited Belleville during one of the most pivotal election seasons in American history.

Join us for a guided walking tour through historic downtown Belleville, tracing the footsteps of Lincoln and other prominent Illinois leaders as the visited in October of 1856.

The tour is one of the many activities planned for the Belleville History Field Day.

Free tour; registration required.

Register here:

The Day Lincoln Came to Town: Guided Walking Tour – Downtown Belleville, Multiple dates and times - The Day Lincoln Came to Town October 18, 1856 — Belleville, Illinois Step back in time and experience the day Abraham Lincoln visited Belleville during one of the most pivotal election seasons in ...