St. Clair Co History

The St. Clair County Historical Society (est. 1905) helps St. Clair County tell its story through education, research, preservation and community involvement.

[St. Clair Co History @STCCHS]

JUST ADDED: LIVE MUSIC!

During the Belleville History Field Day on June 20th, you’ll enjoy live music courtesy of Kris Taylor.

Kris is cooking up an all-American set, taking you on a musical journey from sea to shining sea.

Don’t miss it!

[St. Clair Co History @STCCHS]

Our collection teems with fascinating examples of ephemera.

Ephemera refers to historical items, often printed materials, that weren’t intended to be kept or preserved.

We received these pieces of ephemera, cards meant to be displayed and discarded (but these survived).

[St. Clair Co History @STCCHS]

Join us on July 8, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at the Old Cahokia Courthouse State Historic Site for The Language of Liberty: An America 250 Celebration.

Experience a public reading of the Declaration of Independence, first proclaimed to the people on July 8, 1776.

[St. Clair Co History @STCCHS]

Don’t worry, pal. You won’t be alone for long.

We’re working on a new exhibit on immigration and migration to St. Clair County in the Pete Kern Memorial Gallery.

As you can see, our clothing collection will play a central role in the exhibit.

Stay tuned!

[St. Clair Co History @STCCHS]

Every family, building, and artifact has a story.

Let us help you discover yours.

Tracing your roots? Researching a historic home? Identifying a mysterious object?

We’re your local history resource and we’re here to help!

Contact us today: https://t.co/zNeHslsfsG

[St. Clair Co History @STCCHS]

We’re pleased and proud that our exhibit panels from Miles Davis: Modes & Modalities are currently on view at House of Miles East St. Louis !

Make it a point to visit H.O.M.E. during the centennial year.

[St. Clair Co History @STCCHS]

On June 20th, step back in time and experience the day Abraham Lincoln visited Belleville during one of the most pivotal election seasons in American history.

See the flier for more information.

Register here: https://t.co/StcKELqSvy

[St. Clair Co History @STCCHS]

Celebrate a century of the Belleville Masonic Temple at a public open house this Saturday, May 30th.

See the flier for more details.

[St. Clair Co History @STCCHS]

In the 1890 Leslie’s spread on East St. Louis, industry features prominently. See the key to identify the factories.

The city became an economic powerhouse in the late 19th century, with all of the positives and negatives wrought by industrial development.

[St. Clair Co History @STCCHS]

Remember the Belleville American Legion baseball team photo we posted recently?

Thanks to your help, we identified all of the players.

See the 1955 clipping from the Belleville Daily Advocate.

[St. Clair Co History @STCCHS]

The Glo-Bingo Night on Friday, May 29th is CANCELED.

If you bought tickets, you will receive a refund.

We apologize for any inconvenience.

[St. Clair Co History @STCCHS]

Celebrate America 250 with a fun, free day of local history in downtown Belleville!

See the flier for more information or click here: https://t.co/db6rOrbH3d

[St. Clair Co History @STCCHS]

When reform mayor John Chamberlin took office in East St. Louis in 1913, he promised to crack down on corruption, gambling, prostitution, and illegal saloons. His efforts quickly put him at odds with the city’s powerful political bosses and business interests.

[St. Clair Co History @STCCHS]

Our museums are CLOSED today in honor of Memorial Day.

Read the words of Maj. Gen. John A. Logan on the meaning of this observance.

He and his fellow Union veterans wanted to insure that their fallen comrades and their sacrifice were never forgotten.

[St. Clair Co History @STCCHS]

On June 20th, step back in time and experience the day Abraham Lincoln visited Belleville during one of the most pivotal election seasons in American history.

Free tour; registration required.

Register here: https://t.co/StcKELqSvy

[St. Clair Co History @STCCHS]

This scythe peening anvil was used by farmers in the field to sharpen their scythe blades.

The pointed end was driven into a stump: the flat end was used with a hammer to work (peen) the blade until it was flat and sharp again.

Items donated in 2013.

[St. Clair Co History @STCCHS]

It’s fun! It’s crazy! It’s back!

GLO-BINGO!

Get tickets here: https://t.co/qsyZPw8Lrp

Don’t miss out on this wild night of Bingo to support our mission.

Gather your friends and take a chance at over $1,000 in cash & prizes!

See the flier for all of the details.

[St. Clair Co History @STCCHS]

In the 1890 Leslie’s article on East St. Louis, a view of the city from the bluffs appears prominently.

In the 1890s, the city began to rapidly expand to the east. The map dates from 1899.

Despite this, the city wouldn’t reach its current borders until years later.

[St. Clair Co History @STCCHS]

Please note that our hours are different for this week.

We’ll be back to our regular schedule after the Memorial Day holiday.

[St. Clair Co History @STCCHS]

It’s fun! It’s crazy! It’s back!

GLO-BINGO!

Get tickets here: https://t.co/qsyZPw8Lrp