Peoria Historical Society

Peoria Historical Society The Peoria Historical Society preserves, shares and celebrates Peoria History. BECOME A MEMBER TODAY! https://peoriahistoricalsociety.org/memberships/ The John C.

Flanagan House Museum was built in 1837 on Peoria’s east bluff by John C. Flanagan and is the oldest standing house in Peoria. This American Federal style house offers a spectacular view of the Illinois River Valley. John C. Flanagan, a young Philadelphia lawyer, came to settle his father's estate of 600 acres. John became entranced by the beauty of the Illinois River Valley and decided to settle,

build and become a land developer. Designed in the Federal style, Peoria Historical Society acquired the house in 1962 and it was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1975. Exquisite Empire furnishings and period artifacts are displayed in room settings on two floors. 18th and 19th century Peoria area history exhibits and the story of the Peoria distillery industry are also featured. Special events are held throughout the year. Collections of antique glass, china, furniture, toys, quilts, tools, and vintage clothing are displayed. The house is on the National Register of Historic Places and is owned by the Peoria Historical Society. It is also the headquarters of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), Peoria Chapter.

The Pettengill-Morron House Museum will be open Thursday from 10-2.Make your Labor Day picnic special with a Longaberger...
09/02/2026

The Pettengill-Morron House Museum will be open Thursday from 10-2.

Make your Labor Day picnic special with a Longaberger basket from the P-M Gift Shop!

Our September house tour schedule has arrived! Make plans to explore the Pettengill-Morron House and the John C. Flanaga...
09/01/2026

Our September house tour schedule has arrived! Make plans to explore the Pettengill-Morron House and the John C. Flanagan House Museum this month. Tickets are $10, and we look forward to welcoming you!
🎟️ Secure your spots at 309tix.com, online at PeoriaHistoricalSociety.org, or by calling our office at (309) 674-1921 today.

From local bus tours to community gatherings, we have a fantastic lineup of events scheduled all month long. Take a look...
08/31/2026

From local bus tours to community gatherings, we have a fantastic lineup of events scheduled all month long. Take a look at the graphic for all the dates, locations, and details. Keep in mind that our bus tours fill up quickly and do require reservations!
🎟️ To secure your tickets, visit 309tix.com or call our office at (309) 674-1921 today!

Consider becoming a Peoria Historical Society member today. Your membership helps us preserve our historic house museums, protect local archives, and keep Peoria's vibrant history alive for generations to come.

Saturday, September 5 | 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.History on the Move: Roll Out the BarrelPeoria once reigned as a premier whiske...
08/30/2026

Saturday, September 5 | 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

History on the Move: Roll Out the Barrel
Peoria once reigned as a premier whiskey capital, fueling massive fortunes and booming industries like stockyards and cooperages. Discover the history behind this golden era of local distilling and industrial growth.

The tour departs at 10 a.m. from the parking lot across from Kelleher's Irish Pub (619 SW Water St.). Tickets are $20 per person, and reservations are required. Reserve your spot by visiting 309tix.com or calling 309-674-1921.

The Pettengill-Morron House will be open on Sunday from 1-4.Our "Memory Bench" is waiting for you to recall happy memori...
08/29/2026

The Pettengill-Morron House will be open on Sunday from 1-4.
Our "Memory Bench" is waiting for you to recall happy memories, and make new ones in our "Secret Garden." Gardeners are needed to maintain our beautiful flower beds and yard. Please call the Peoria Historical Society office: 309-674-1921 for more information.

Tickets are available for the 2026 Henri de Tonti Award Celebration! Join us as we honor and celebrate Bradley Universit...
08/28/2026

Tickets are available for the 2026 Henri de Tonti Award Celebration! Join us as we honor and celebrate Bradley University and James E. Shadid on Thursday, September 17.

Tickets are $125 per person and available at 309tix.com.

The Pettengill-Morron House Museum will be open Thursday 10-2.Meet Joy Vallosio, our newest "Pettengirl" docent (second ...
08/26/2026

The Pettengill-Morron House Museum will be open Thursday 10-2.
Meet Joy Vallosio, our newest "Pettengirl" docent (second from the left). Her enthusiasm is contagious and we are grateful that she has joined our family!

Over A BarrelFighting for Peoria’s Working Class During the Whiskey BoomWednesday, August 26, 6:30 p.m.Film Screening at...
08/25/2026

Over A Barrel
Fighting for Peoria’s Working Class During the Whiskey Boom
Wednesday, August 26, 6:30 p.m.
Film Screening at Peoria Riverfront Museum Theater

Join us Wednesday, August 26 for the premiere screening of Over A Barrel: Fighting for Peoria's Working Class During the Whiskey Boom. This 40-minute film shares the untold story of the Peoria Whiskey Boom era through the lives of ordinary Peoria County workers. None of these individuals built mansions on Moss Avenue or had streets named after them but, without their work and the work of their neighbors, the local whiskey industry could not have grown to its epic (and very prosperous) proportions. This showing will take place at 6:30p.m. at the Peoria Riverfront Museum Giant Screen Theater with support from the Peoria County Genealogical Society. Tickets are $12 for adults, $11 for those 60+, and $10 for youth 3 to 17.

History on the Move: It Happened in the Heights! We can’t wait to share this special Peoria history experience with you....
08/23/2026

History on the Move: It Happened in the Heights! We can’t wait to share this special Peoria history experience with you.
Stay tuned for more upcoming tours and events at 309tix.com.

Address

611 SW Washington Street
Peoria, IL
61602

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 4pm
Tuesday 9am - 4pm
Wednesday 9am - 4pm
Thursday 9am - 4pm
Friday 9am - 4pm

Telephone

+13096741921

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