Joliet Area Historical Museum

09/01/2026

JAHM was honored to join many community partners in supporting Joliet’s Black Joy Parade & Celebration in Downtown Joliet on Saturday, August 29, reviving a decades-old community tradition.

The Museum was proud to provide a historic automobile from the Martin & Emma Planinsek Grocery and Meat Market Museum Collection to es**rt the parade’s Grand Marshals, Joliet Councilwoman Emeritus Bettye Gavin and international boxing sensation Joseph “Jojo” Awinonyga, Jr.

JAHM also thanks volunteer Rick Swolley for providing transportation. Congratulations to the event organizers on a highly successful celebration!

08/28/2026

We are one-week away from the "Main Street of America" documentary screening at the Old Joliet Prison.. Will we see you there? 🎉

Purchase tickets here: https://fareharbor.com/embeds/book/jolietprison/items/744630/availability/2120549612/book/?full-items=yes&flow=685607

Buy tickets here:

Join us for a special Route 66 Centennial Celebration screening of Route 66: The Main Street of America—a moving and often surprising documentary that brings America’s most legendary highway to life through the people who call it home.
The new film unfolds as a series of vivid, character-driven stories—from dreamers and small business owners to preservationists and everyday heroes—each offering a unique window into life along the road. Together, these stories form a rich and deeply human portrait of Route 66 today: a place of resilience, reinvention, and unexpected opportunity. 🛣

From roadside attractions to revitalized main streets, the film captures the spirit of communities finding new life and new purpose—proving that sometimes the most meaningful journeys begin when you take the road less traveled.

Whether you’ve driven Route 66 or only imagined it, this film offers an engaging, heartfelt look at an American icon—full of humor, warmth, and discovery.

Following the screening, stay for a live Q&A with filmmaker John Paget, along with select participants from the film. Hear the stories behind the stories and meet the people who continue to shape Route 66 today.

One night only—don’t miss this opportunity to celebrate 100 years of Route 66 on the big screen. ✨

Purchase tickets today by scanning the QR code in the image or by clicking the link below!

🔗https://fareharbor.com/embeds/book/jolietprison/items/744630/?full-items=yes&flow=685607

08/26/2026

The Outdoor Rooftop Concerts are selling out, so don't wait to register!

In addition to great live music, there is a beverage bar (beer, wine, mixed drinks, pop, water) snack vendor, & access to museum galleries for all concert guests. The Cadillac Groove concert has been re-scheduled to Sept. 30th and a handful of tickets are available.

Doors open at 6:15 pm, shows start at 7pm. Register/Info: go to jolietmuseum.org in the "Upcoming Programs" page or call (815) 723-5201. Walk-ups welcome while tickets last. Concert Series sponsored by D'Arcy Motors, Kozol Bros., Inc., & Heineken USA.

08/13/2026

Please feel free to join us here at the Museum for a very worthy cause to benefit Declan this Saturday, August 15th from 4pm to 10pm.

Your support in helping Declan and his family would be very much appreciated. Please see the flyer for additional info and scan QR codes for more info. You can also contact Dutch Terborg at (815) 280-3267 with questions or for more info. Thank you!

08/11/2026

The Rooftop Outdoor Music Series at the Joliet Area Historical Museum - Reserve your tickets now as concerts are selling out!

Many shows do sell out, so we suggest registering on-line in advance. In addition to great live music, there is a beverage bar (beer, wine, mixed drinks, pop, water) snack vendor, access to museum galleries for all paying guests.

Doors open at 6:15 pm, shows start at 7pm. Register/Info go to jolietmuseum.org in the "Upcoming Programs" page or call (815) 723-5201. Walk-ups welcome while tickets last.

Museum located at 204 N. Ottawa St. in downtown Joliet. Concert Series sponsored by D'Arcy Motors, Kozol Bros., Inc., & Heineken USA.

08/07/2026

One week away!

Will you be there?... 🎥

See the link below to purchase tickets now!

https://fareharbor.com/embeds/book/jolietmuseum/items/749139/availability/2132110302/book/?full-items=yes&flow=1083949

It's movie night! 🎬🎞

Open Vault Cinema: Public Domain Movie Night is scheduled for Friday, August 14th, at 5PM. Admission to the program is $5 for the general public and is FREE for Joliet Area Historical Museum members! ✨

During this program you will have the chance to see two featured shorts: Steamboat Willie (1928) and Buster Keaton's "One Week" (1920). Following the shorts is our featured film of the evening, Frank Capra Production's "Meet John Doe." (1941) 📽

This program allows the audience to step back in time to the golden age of cinema to celebrate classic films that have recently entered the public domain. Learn about the history of the public domain and enjoy all that it has to offer at the same time.

Concessions will be available during this event! We will have snacks, candy, soda, and water available for purchase. See the link below to reserve your spot today! 🍭🍬🍿

🔗https://fareharbor.com/embeds/book/jolietmuseum/items/749139/?full-items=yes&flow=1083949

08/05/2026

We'll be Rockin' on the Rooftop this Friday, August 7th with the Port Authority band playing the best in classic rock & pop! Come on out as the doors open at 6:15pm to the Outdoor Rooftop and the band starts at 7pm.

You'll hear songs by Fleetwood Mac, Chicago, Don Henley, Doobie Brothers, Led Zeppelin & more! Port Authority's crowd-pleasing setlist turns every performance into a full-throttle musical experience. Led by John McFarland from M&R Rush and the Chicago 6 on guitar & vocals, Kristen McFarland on vocals, Brian Sarna from the Dancing Noodles on bass & vocals, and Scott Bonshire of the Jaywalkers Jam Band on drums.

Great live music, beverage bar, snack vendor, free museum access & more! Register now at www.jolietmuseum.org (Upcoming Programs Tab) or call (815) 723-5201. Walkups welcome while available. Museum located at 204 N. Ottawa St. in downtown Joliet

07/25/2026

It's movie night! 🎬🎞

Open Vault Cinema: Public Domain Movie Night is scheduled for Friday, August 14th, at 5PM. Admission to the program is $5 for the general public and is FREE for Joliet Area Historical Museum members! ✨

During this program you will have the chance to see two featured shorts: Steamboat Willie (1928) and Buster Keaton's "One Week" (1920). Following the shorts is our featured film of the evening, Frank Capra Production's "Meet John Doe." (1941) 📽

This program allows the audience to step back in time to the golden age of cinema to celebrate classic films that have recently entered the public domain. Learn about the history of the public domain and enjoy all that it has to offer at the same time.

Concessions will be available during this event! We will have snacks, candy, soda, and water available for purchase. See the link below to reserve your spot today! 🍭🍬🍿

🔗https://fareharbor.com/embeds/book/jolietmuseum/items/749139/?full-items=yes&flow=1083949

07/24/2026

We'll be Rockin' on the Rooftop this Friday, July 24th with the RIGHTEOUS HILLBILLIES band! Come on out as the doors open at 6:15pm to the Outdoor Rooftop and the band starts at 7pm.

Righteous Hillbillies are a rock ‘n’ roll band launching a revival of the Southern spirit of blues boogie, soul groove, along with the energy of rock ‘n’ roll power! Playing a mix of of Southern Rock and Americana, their live shows will blow you away! Influenced by Steve Earle, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Allman Brothers, Doors, Stevie Ray Vaughan and the Rolling Stones...you'll hear songs by some of these plus some fantastic originals.

Great live music, beverage bar, snack vendor, free museum access & more! Register now at www.jolietmuseum.org (Upcoming Programs Tab) or call (815) 723-5201. Walkups welcome while available. Museum located at 204 N. Ottawa St. in downtown Joliet

07/23/2026

You still have time to purchase tickets! See the link below for more information and to buy your tickets now! 🎉

🔗https://fareharbor.com/embeds/book/jolietmuseum/items/737723/availability/2103718707/book/?full-items=yes&flow=1083949

Tickets are on sale for the Annual Membership Meeting and Hall of Pride Induction Event! Purchase tickets by July 23rd. 😎

We hope to see you there! ✨🎟

🔗https://fareharbor.com/embeds/book/jolietmuseum/items/737723/availability/2103718707/book/?full-items=yes&flow=1083949