Tiskilwa Historical Society

05/26/2026

Signs of springtime in Tiskilwa -- flags snapping in the breeze above military graves at our cemeteries, Memorial Day in the East Park, open house at Gallery on Galena, new flowers planted on Main Street -- all facets of our Gem of the Valley.

Incidentally, by our count a crowd of 93 people -- bigs and littles alike -- gathered for our Memorial Day ceremony.

History Bit: We've posted an iris as the first photo since these spring flowers have long been called "flags," usually blooming around Memorial Day. The first Memorial Day was proclaimed in 1868 and originally known as Decoration Day.

Oh yes, and an owl wisely watching over all the comings and goings on Cemetery Hill over the long weekend.

05/24/2026

Quick reminder: TiskHistSoc is hosting the annual Memorial Day ceremony at the East Park on Monday, beginning at 11:00. Looks as though Mother Nature will provide fine weather. Some seating will be available in the shelter, but you might want to bring a lawn chair or picnic blanket.

Visitors will be welcomed at an Open House with refreshments at the Gallery on Galena immediately following the ceremony between 11:30 and 1:00.

05/14/2026

Be sure to mark your calendars for Tiskilwa's Memorial Day ceremony in the East Park, at 11:00 on MONDAY, MAY 25.

Navy veteran Jennifer Fisher has once again organized a solemn program honoring those who gave their lives for our country.
The Schertz family never misses a Memorial Day in Tisk and here's a throwback photo of their clan from 2023.
Immediately following the ceremony, the Gallery on Galena will be open for visitors to view the historical society's military collection, donated by local veterans and their families.

04/22/2026

Last Monday evening, an engaged audience delighted in Barry Cloyd's songs and stories of the French voyageurs who traveled North American rivers for exploration and fur trading in the 1600s.

Couldn't resist clicking a pic of the final sunrays of the day beaming through stained-glass window in this wonderful old building, given to the historical society by Tiskilwa's generous Methodist congregation in 2006.

Following the presentation, Barry chatted with visitors, including Jill Carrington of Wyanet and Judith Peterson of Princeton.

04/19/2026

🎸

Tiskilwa Historical Society invites you to join us for “The French Voyageurs: The First European Explorers,” presented by Barry Cloyd.

Monday, April 20th at 7 PM at the Museum on Main

This program brings to life the story of the French voyageurs—rugged fur traders and explorers who navigated the vast inland waterways of the American Midwest in the late 1600s. Through the perspective of Etienne Renault, a historical French fur trapper and explorer, attendees will journey alongside legendary figures such as Sieur de La Salle and Henri de Tonti.

Admission is free

04/12/2026

Tiskilwa Historical Society invites you to join us for “The French Voyageurs: The First European Explorers,” presented by Barry Cloyd.

Monday, April 20th at 7 PM at the Museum on Main

This program brings to life the story of the French voyageurs—rugged fur traders and explorers who navigated the vast inland waterways of the American Midwest in the late 1600s. Through the perspective of Etienne Renault, a historical French fur trapper and explorer, attendees will journey alongside legendary figures such as Sieur de La Salle and Henri de Tonti.

Admission is free

04/04/2026

Way to go, Charlie!

Charlie Waca, who had a 38-year coaching career as an assistant football coach, was inducted into the IHSFCA Hall of Fame on Saturday. His catch phrase that “it’s a good day for football" will be forever remembered by his players.

04/04/2026

With all this rain over the past few days, it’s hard not to think about Tiskilwa’s history with flooding—and the solution that changed the town.
In 1959, a watershed project brought the construction of four land dams around Tiskilwa to help control runoff and protect the village from flooding. Sitting in a valley with creeks like Rocky Run running through town, managing water has always been part of life here.
Sometimes a rainy day is more than just weather… it’s a glimpse into the challenges (and ingenuity) of the past.

04/02/2026

We’re proud to share that one of our board members, Cecille Ge**er has been featured in Illinois Valley Living Magazine!
Her article highlights the history of Mt. Bloom Cemetery in Tiskilwa.
This feature is part of a two-part series on area cemeteries—be sure to also check out the companion article by Jessica Gray from the Bureau County History Center, starting on page 5. Cecille’s article begins on page 7.
Take a moment to explore both pieces and learn more about the history right in our own backyard. 🪦✨
📖 Read the magazine here:

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04/02/2026

🌷🐰 Spring has sprung… and so have we! 🐰🌷

Shake off that winter hibernation and hop on over to the Museum on Main and Gallery on Galena this Saturday, April 4th from 10 AM – 1 PM!

Whether you’re in the mood for a little local history, a little browsing, or just need an excuse to get out of the house before the Easter candy takes over your life… we’ve got you covered 😉

✨ Bonus: It’s the perfect pre-Easter outing. Culture and chocolate? That’s what we call balance.

📅 Coming Up Next:
Mark your calendars for Monday, April 20th at 7 PM for a special program with Barry Cloyd as he brings the story of French voyageurs to life. If you’ve been to one of his programs before, you already know… if not, you’re in for a treat 👀

Bring a friend, bring your family, or just bring yourself—we’d love to see you! 💛