Peterstown House

Peterstown House Last remaining-intact stage stop along the Kaskaskia-Cahokia Trail and Waterloo's first museum. Monthly meetings are every 3rd Monday of the month.

Constructed from early 1800s to 1830, Peterstown House was built as a stagecoach stop and today it stands as a testament of time and as a tribute to the rich and vibrant history of Waterloo. The building transformed from a stagecoach stop to an apartment building by the 1880s. By 1973, the house was scheduled for demolition but was spared when Alfred Mueller and other citizens of Waterloo formed the Peterstown Heritage Society and purchased the house. The museum opened in 1973 and took years of painstaking work to restore it to what visitors see today. Just by looking at the exterior of the house, it looks like a New England Saltbox, but once you enter, you can see the building was constructed in the French-style. There are nine rooms full of furniture and displays for your viewing pleasure, as well as a large second floor ballroom with many unique displays. The Peterstown House is listed on the National Regsister of Historic Places. Effective August, 2013: Suggested $2.00 donation.

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Peterstown Heritage Society Board Members:

-Andrew Juelfs, President, Docent
-Margaret Kocher, Vice-President
-Curt Sondag, Treasurer
-Lisa Fearing, Secretary

We are always looking for new members to help preserve our rich history!

Stop by and see us this weekend!
09/19/2026

Stop by and see us this weekend!

Can you believe we’ve made it to August?! While we are soaking up the last weeks of summer, life looked a whole lot diff...
08/01/2026

Can you believe we’ve made it to August?! While we are soaking up the last weeks of summer, life looked a whole lot different for the early pioneers right here in Waterloo back in the 1820s and 1830s. August wasn't about relaxing—it meant preparing to harvest crops, dry and preserve food, and prep for the freezing winter ahead. Shopkeepers like Emory Peter Rogers would have begun putting fall wares on display. More fresh updates to our historical site coming soon!

Happy "29th" birthday to our president, Andrew! He can keep dreaming, but we know the truth: today we're celebrating the...
07/23/2026

Happy "29th" birthday to our president, Andrew! He can keep dreaming, but we know the truth: today we're celebrating the 11th anniversary of his 29th birthday!

We hope you have a great day and don't know what we'd do without you!

Question: What were people reading in Waterloo over 200 years ago?​Answer: We've got the proof!​We have a fascinating as...
07/19/2026

Question: What were people reading in Waterloo over 200 years ago?

​Answer: We've got the proof!

​We have a fascinating astronomy book from 1799 on display! It’s one of several family treasures passed down from Captain James Moore, the very first settler at La Belle Fontaine (present-day Waterloo).

​Grab the family and step into the past—all THREE Waterloo museums are open and your next adventure awaits!
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It's just too hot to work outside today! 🥵Ditch the yard work, beat the heat, and come step back in time with us instead...
07/18/2026

It's just too hot to work outside today! 🥵

Ditch the yard work, beat the heat, and come step back in time with us instead! The historic Peterstown House in Waterloo, IL is open today from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM.

We would love for you to come explore the rich local history of our beautiful landmark!

We made a cameo appearance in this sketch from our friends at Early American! A few weeks ago, they approached us to use...
07/17/2026

We made a cameo appearance in this sketch from our friends at Early American! A few weeks ago, they approached us to use our store room for filming and we couldn't say no. Check it out for yourself and give them a follow, if you don't already!

Justine is trying her hand at making SOAP as it was 200 years ago. ...

We are deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Gene Haller. Gene was an amazing historian, a captivating storytelle...
07/16/2026

We are deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Gene Haller. Gene was an amazing historian, a captivating storyteller and a tremendous friend to the Peterstown Heritage Society and the Peterstown House over the years. More than that, he was a cherished friend to all who knew him. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this time. He will be greatly missed.

View Kenneth Gene Haller's obituary, contribute to their memorial, see their funeral service details, and more.

Take a break from your usual Sunday routine and stop by the historic Peterstown House! Walk through the same rooms that ...
07/12/2026

Take a break from your usual Sunday routine and stop by the historic Peterstown House! Walk through the same rooms that served 19th-century coach travelers, early general store shoppers and historic pioneers.

We are open today from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Bring a friend and discover the hidden history right in your own backyard!

Address

275 N Main Street
Waterloo, IL
62298

Opening Hours

Saturday 1pm - 4pm
Sunday 1pm - 4pm

Website

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