Edgar County Historical Society

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Edgar County Historical Society Come check out one of Paris' hidden treasures. With its ninteenth century mansion, period correct log home and history annex, there is plenty to take in!

This is the first of three display cases - and more - in conjunction with the October 25 program on the History of the P...
10/10/2026

This is the first of three display cases - and more - in conjunction with the October 25 program on the History of the Paris High School Band. Look who stopped by to check the progress!

Shiloh 4th graders sent cards thanking us for our Walk Through History Day. The cards are on display in the gift shop. T...
10/09/2026

Shiloh 4th graders sent cards thanking us for our Walk Through History Day. The cards are on display in the gift shop. Thank you, 4th graders! We are glad you enjoyed the activities.

Join us on Sunday, October 25 for a History of the Paris High School Band. Presented at 2pm by former director Warren Sp...
10/05/2026

Join us on Sunday, October 25 for a History of the Paris High School Band. Presented at 2pm by former director Warren Sperry and band alumni representing past decades. As always, Historical Society programs are free and open to the public.

Edgar County Historical Society's annual Walk Through History was held on Friday. Fourth-graders from Crestwood, Shiloh,...
09/28/2026

Edgar County Historical Society's annual Walk Through History was held on Friday. Fourth-graders from Crestwood, Shiloh, Kansas, Chrisman, Wenz, Evermore Academy, and Little Schoolhouse learned about living as their ancestors did.

September 18 update on the progress of the museum expansion.
09/18/2026

September 18 update on the progress of the museum expansion.

Help us identify this photo! It was donated with several Chrisman items but there's no identifying information on back.
09/10/2026

Help us identify this photo! It was donated with several Chrisman items but there's no identifying information on back.

Glenn Barr's Restaurant on Jasper Street, where San Marcos is now. It was also the bus stop for Greyhound.
09/08/2026

Glenn Barr's Restaurant on Jasper Street, where San Marcos is now. It was also the bus stop for Greyhound.

Name our Carousel Horse - Keep reading to see how! A year ago this little carousel horse was donated to Edgar County His...
09/07/2026

Name our Carousel Horse - Keep reading to see how!
A year ago this little carousel horse was donated to Edgar County Historical Society. It was once part of a carousel owned by Glenn Barr. Barr owned a restaurant on Jasper Street in Paris for many years. He also worked carnival circuits. His carousel was last assembled in Paris on the square in 1941 and last used for a week in Danville some years later.
The little horse is happy here but it needs a name! So we are launching a contest to find a suitable name. We would like names inspired by Edgar County, its communities, farms, parks, traditions or stories. Entries will be accepted in two divisions: Youth and Adult. Each submission should include the proposed name, a short explanation of why you like that name, youth or adult, and your contact information. Mail your entry to Edgar County Historical Museum, 408 N. Main, Paris IL 61944, email to [email protected], or . . . visit the museum, meet our little horse, and fill out an entry blank.

(Carousel info from Mrs. Barr, in Paris Beacon News, July 3, 1987)

West side of the Chrisman square in an early 1900s postcard. The closest storefront is now the public library. The sign ...
08/31/2026

West side of the Chrisman square in an early 1900s postcard. The closest storefront is now the public library. The sign above its awning says "Dr. Campbell Dentist." According to the Chrisman Area Centennial book, Dr. Campbell was one of the earlier dentists in Chrisman.

Here's a peek inside the Arthur House. Tours are available during museum hours.
08/26/2026

Here's a peek inside the Arthur House. Tours are available during museum hours.

Address

408 N Main Street
Paris, IL
61944

Telephone

(217) 463-5305

Website

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