Historical Society of Quincy and Adams County

Historical Society of Quincy and Adams County Preserving local history for generations The HSQAC is dedicated to preserving and educating people about local history.

We have the John Wood Mansion, the Parsonage, and Quincy's History Shop. Jean Kay and the research library are available for answering research requests!

Ready for a "spoonful" of history?This month, we're taking a closer look at a Victorian-era rotating, triple silver-plat...
08/24/2026

Ready for a "spoonful" of history?

This month, we're taking a closer look at a Victorian-era rotating, triple silver-plated spoon holder made by the Aurora Silver Plate Manufacturing Company in Aurora, Illinois.

The company operated from the late 1860s into the early 1900s, producing affordable tableware for everyday use.

So, what does โ€œtriple plateโ€ mean? It doesn't mean three spoons' worth of silver! It means the base metal was coated with three layers of silver, creating a durable and affordable alternative to solid silver.

Silver-plated tableware became popular in Victorian homes, giving families a little extra elegance at the dinner table without the hefty price tag.

As we continue to celebrate America 250, we're exploring the everyday objects in our collection, industries, and traditions that help tell the bigger American story.

Meet the newest member of the Collections Team!She doesn't have a name yet, but she does have a talent for showing up wh...
08/21/2026

Meet the newest member of the Collections Team!

She doesn't have a name yet, but she does have a talent for showing up where you least expect her ๐Ÿ˜‚

Our collections team recently adopted this fabulous handmade doll from the collection. Naturally, we had to put her to work.

Lately, she's been making her way around the Research Library, popping up in unexpected places and giving our staff a few surprises along the way.

We're not sure where she'll turn up next, but we're pretty sure she's enjoying her new job as our unofficial Collections Mascot.

Help us name her! Drop your best suggestions in the comments๐Ÿ‘‡

Thank you for another great America 250 program!A big thank you to Dr. Steve Belko for joining us and sharing a fascinat...
08/20/2026

Thank you for another great America 250 program!

A big thank you to Dr. Steve Belko for joining us and sharing a fascinating perspective on the American Revolution.

Up next: The Music of the Revolutionary Period

Join Dr. Marian Wilson Kimber, Professor of Musicology at the University of Iowa, on September 16 as she explores the music of the Revolutionary era and performs selections from the period live!

๐Ÿ“… September 16 | 6:30 PM
๐Ÿ“ Mary Ellen Orr Auditorium | JWCC
๐ŸŽŸ๏ธ Free and open to the public

Weโ€™ll see you there!

Happening TONIGHT!Join us tonight as Dr. Steve Belko explores a lesser-known perspective of the Revolution, examining th...
08/19/2026

Happening TONIGHT!

Join us tonight as Dr. Steve Belko explores a lesser-known perspective of the Revolution, examining the conflict between Native American nations and Patriot state militias from 1774โ€“1783.

His presentation will focus on the fighting along the Southern frontier and the lasting impact American independence had on Indigenous peoples.

๐Ÿ“… Tonight, August 19
๐Ÿ•ก 6:30 PM
๐Ÿ“ Mary Ellen Orr Auditorium | John Wood Community College
๐ŸŽŸ๏ธ Free and open to the public!

Introducing our newest series: Quincy Made ๐Ÿ‘Every month, we'll introduce someone whose story deserves to be remembered.F...
08/10/2026

Introducing our newest series: Quincy Made ๐Ÿ‘

Every month, we'll introduce someone whose story deserves to be remembered.

From presidents' advisors to pioneers, inventors, artists, and trailblazers, we're sharing the stories of the people who helped shape Quincy and have made lasting impacts in their respected areas.

Swipe to meet our first featured Quincyan, Anna Carmen Baird Walsh โžก๏ธ

๐Ÿ’ฌ Who do you think we should feature next? Leave your comments below!

America 250 Lecture Series continues this month!Join us as Dr. Steve Belko explores a lesser-known perspective of the Re...
08/09/2026

America 250 Lecture Series continues this month!

Join us as Dr. Steve Belko explores a lesser-known perspective of the Revolution, examining the conflict between Native American nations and Patriot state militias from 1774โ€“1783. His presentation will highlight the fighting on the southern frontier and explore how American independence forever changed the lives of Indigenous peoples.

๐Ÿ“… Wednesday, August 19
๐Ÿ•ก 6:30 PM
๐Ÿ“ Mary Ellen Orr Auditorium | John Wood Community College
๐ŸŽŸ๏ธ Free and open to the public

Presented by the Historical Society of Quincy & Adams County and John Wood Community College as part of the America 250 Lecture Series, commemorating the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States.

๐Ÿšจ SURPRISE! WEโ€™RE OPEN EARLY! ๐ŸšจIf youโ€™re out shopping local today, come see us! Our gift shop is open early for Shop Loc...
08/08/2026

๐Ÿšจ SURPRISE! WEโ€™RE OPEN EARLY! ๐Ÿšจ

If youโ€™re out shopping local today, come see us!

Our gift shop is open early for Shop Local Saturday with deals you wonโ€™t want to miss:

๐Ÿ‘• 50% OFF select apparel
๐Ÿ“š 25% OFF books
๐Ÿ  15% OFF home goods

Stop by the History Museum on the Square and shop local, support local history, and maybe find something fun for yourself or a history enthusiast on your shopping list ๐Ÿ˜‰ We're here until 4!

Sale discounts cannot be combined with membership discounts. Excludes Golden Collective merchandise.

Summer heat, got you beat?The deals are HOT and the Museum shop is COOL! Catch some deals SATURDAY August 8 at the Shop ...
08/06/2026

Summer heat, got you beat?

The deals are HOT and the Museum shop is COOL!

Catch some deals SATURDAY August 8 at the Shop Local Saturday Sidewalk Sale ๐Ÿฅณ

*Sale prices are not combinable with HSQAC membership discount & excludes Golden Collective merchandise

The District Quincy Area Chamber

The year is half over, but the Historical Society has more to offer!Save the dates for our upcoming events and programs ...
07/31/2026

The year is half over, but the Historical Society has more to offer!

Save the dates for our upcoming events and programs ๐Ÿฅณ

This is your last week to experience "Journey to Freedom" at the History Museum on the Square.Discover the powerful stor...
07/28/2026

This is your last week to experience "Journey to Freedom" at the History Museum on the Square.

Discover the powerful stories of courage, resilience, and the pursuit of freedom while learning how Quincy played a role in this important chapter of American history.

Don't miss your chance to see it before it moves on!

๐Ÿ“ Visit us this week! Tuesday - Saturday 10 am-4pm | 332 Maine St.

Address

425 S 12th Street
Quincy, IL
62301

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 4pm
Tuesday 10am - 4pm
Wednesday 10am - 4pm
Thursday 10am - 4pm
Friday 10am - 4pm

Telephone

+12172221835

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