Kankakee County Museum

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Kankakee County Museum The Kankakee County Museum exists to share the exciting historical experiences of our County. We hope that you will soon be among our visitors!

The Kankakee County Historical Society is one of the oldest historical societies in the State of Illinois. Since 1906, we have been fulfilling our mission to collect, exhibit, and interpret the material culture of Kankakee County. Each year, we welcome thousands of visitors to our Museum Campus to view our exhibits and historic buildings, and to experience our many special events. We also provide research services, have unique books and other items related to Kankakee County in our Museum Store, and make available both indoor and outdoor venues for meetings, weddings, showers, and more. For more information, visit www.kankakeecountymuseum.com.

🚌 LAST CHANCE TO SIGN UP! 🍂Our next Reflections of Kankakee County Bus Tour is happening THIS SATURDAY, October 24! If y...
10/19/2026

🚌 LAST CHANCE TO SIGN UP! 🍂

Our next Reflections of Kankakee County Bus Tour is happening THIS SATURDAY, October 24! If you've been looking for a fun way to explore local history, now is the time to reserve your spot.

Join us as we travel through Momence and Grant Park, visiting the Graham Historic House and Museum, Farm Museum, historic Train Depot, One-Room Schoolhouse, and more! Enjoy a boxed lunch, a guided tour with the Grant Park Historical Society, and a stop at Perry Farm Park to see the annual scarecrow display.

📅 This Saturday, October 24
⏰ 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
💲 $35 per person

🎟️ This is your last chance to sign up! Scan the QR code on the graphic or visit the link below to purchase your tickets.

🔗 https://ilbourbonnais.myvscloud.com/webtrac/web/iteminfo.html?Module=AR&FMID=27826323

Transportation and lunch are included in the registration fee. Don't miss your chance to spend a day discovering the history and heritage of our local communities!

10/18/2026

🔎 60 Second Sunday is back!

This week's mystery takes us into the fascinating, and slightly questionable, world of early 20th-century medicine! 👀 What was once marketed as a treatment for all sorts of ailments is now a fascinating example of how our understanding of science and healthcare has changed over time.

But can you figure out what this week's mystery is before the big reveal? 🤔 Watch the video, leave your guesses in the comments, and let us know if you've ever heard of anything like this before!

Have an idea for a future 60 Second Sunday? Let us know what you'd like to see! We love hearing your suggestions and exploring the stories hidden in our collections.

In continuation of the celebration of the museum's 78th anniversary, we're sharing some photos of special moments at the...
10/17/2026

In continuation of the celebration of the museum's 78th anniversary, we're sharing some photos of special moments at the Kankakee County Museum Campus just within the last few years!

Tell us, what are some of YOUR favorite programs and events hosted here?!

CALLING ALL VENDORS & ARTISANS! 🎨🛍️Do you create handmade crafts, jewelry, artwork, accessories, unique gifts, or other ...
10/17/2026

CALLING ALL VENDORS & ARTISANS! 🎨🛍️

Do you create handmade crafts, jewelry, artwork, accessories, unique gifts, or other specialty products? We’d love to have you join us for our upcoming Artisan Faire!

This is a great opportunity to showcase your work, connect with the community, and share your creativity with shoppers looking for something special!

📅 LAST DAY TO SIGN UP: OCTOBER 24!

Interested in becoming a vendor? Visit our website at KankakeeCountyMuseum.com or email us at [email protected] for more information and details on how to participate.

Don't miss your chance to be part of this celebration of creativity, craftsmanship, and community! ❤️

🍂 Spend a Day Exploring Local History! 🚌Ready for a fall adventure? Join the Kankakee County Museum on Saturday, October...
10/17/2026

🍂 Spend a Day Exploring Local History! 🚌

Ready for a fall adventure? Join the Kankakee County Museum on Saturday, October 24, from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM for our next Reflections of Kankakee County Bus Tour!

We'll travel to Momence and Grant Park to discover the people, places, and stories that shaped these communities. Explore the Graham Historic House and Museum, Farm Museum, and historic Train Depot in Momence before heading to Grant Park for a boxed lunch and a guided visit with the Grant Park Historical Society. We'll also see the One-Room Schoolhouse and historic exhibits near Village Hall!

We'll wrap up our journey back at Perry Farm Park, where you can enjoy the annual scarecrow display.

📅 Date: Saturday, October 24
⏰ Time: 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
💲 Cost: $35 per person

🎟️ Don't miss out! Scan the QR code on the graphic or visit the link below to purchase your tickets. Transportation and lunch are included in the registration fee.

🔗 https://ilbourbonnais.myvscloud.com/webtrac/web/iteminfo.html?Module=AR&FMID=27826323

Seats are limited, so reserve yours today for a wonderful day of history and fall fun!

🎉 We're celebrating the 78th Anniversary of the Kankakee County Museum! 🎉Although the Kankakee County Historical Society...
10/17/2026

🎉 We're celebrating the 78th Anniversary of the Kankakee County Museum! 🎉

Although the Kankakee County Historical Society first formed in 1906, its collection was displayed in several locations, including local high schools and the courthouse, until the family of former Governor Lennington Small donated the property of his childhood home to the Kankakee Valley Park District in 1948. Their wish was to honor his legacy by preserving that home as a lasting memorial. In that same year, the state legislature appropriated $25,000 toward the construction of the Historical and Arts Building for the sole purpose of creating a space for the Historical Society to permanently display their collections. On October 17th, 1948 history enthusiasts, community members, and state dignitaries congregated at the new site to celebrate the official grand opening of the original three-room building along with the Dr. A. L. Small Home.

Since then, the Historical and Arts Building has expanded to more than three times its original size,the campus gained a one-room schoolhouse and two gardens, and countless beloved community gatherings have been enjoyed in this space. From the past 48 Gallery of Trees contests, 36 Rhubarb Festivals, 15 Artisan Faires, History Days for fifth graders, and a myriad of other private events and public programs, we know so many meaningful moments have taken place right HERE and we want to know which ones have given YOU the most joy.

PLEASE share what you love most about the Kankakee County Museum in the comments below!

Feel free to send us your favorite photos in messenger so we can share those too!

Here's to the next 78 years of preserving local history!

In tandem with our post from yesterday, check out this Gaiety Theater advertisement promoting international actress, ...
10/16/2026


In tandem with our post from yesterday, check out this Gaiety Theater advertisement promoting international actress, Sarah Berhardt's, performance in Kankakee.

Did you know that internationally famous actress of the late 1800s and early 1900s, Sarah Bernhardt, perfomed in Kankak...
10/15/2026


Did you know that internationally famous actress of the late 1800s and early 1900s, Sarah Bernhardt, perfomed in Kankakee? She appeared at the Gaiety Theater on October 14, 1917 (109 years ago, yesterday) during her Farewell tour through America. These portraits of her come from the Library of Congress. At left, Sarah is pictured in about 1880 during the middle of her career and the photo at right was taken in 1915 after she had an amputation, which caused her to only act in seated roles from then on.

LeBoeuf & Granger Pharmacy was an architectural and commercial anchor of downtown Kankakee, Illinois, during the late 1...
10/14/2026


LeBoeuf & Granger Pharmacy was an architectural and commercial anchor of downtown Kankakee, Illinois, during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.The firm operated out of a prominent storefront located at 217 E. Court St., situated right in the heart of the city's historic business district. The pharmacy was established as a partnership between members of the LeBoeuf and Granger families, two prominent local surnames with deep roots in the French-Canadian settlements of Kankakee County and nearby Bourbonnais. The Grangers, in particular, were heavily woven into the civic fabric of the region; for instance, local attorney Alexis L. Granger served on the first Board of Trustees for the Kankakee Public Library when it was established in the late 1890s.By pooling their resources into the pharmaceutical trade, the partners positioned LeBoeuf & Granger as a trusted local institution during an era when drugstores functioned as community social hubs, prescription compounding labs, and general merchandise suppliers.

Address

801 South 8th Avenue
Kankakee, IL
60901

Opening Hours

Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm
Saturday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

(815) 932-5279

Website

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