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National Registry of Historic Places

A message from the Effingham County Museum's President, Delaine Donaldson                                                                                                        Local History’s Importance

Recently, while doing some research at the Effingham Public Library, I had a good conversation with a former student of mine.  She related how, when she was in high school, she cared very little about the study of the past; however, today she feels very differently about it.  She said she really likes to find out about how the people of yesteryear lived and that she wished she had paid more attention when she was sitting in a high school history classroom.  When I got home and related the above to my wife, she said, “If you had a nickel for every former student who has told you that, you would be a rich man.”

How very true I know that is.  My response to the statement frequently is that it seems as though many students recognize the value of history early in life, while others must wait on that history gene to “kick-in” at around age 45, or so.

Whatever the case may be, the Effingham County Museum is based on the preservation of local history, a history which demonstrates that the great patterns and events of history are really made up of local history and people whose names are not mentioned in general history books.

That desire to remember and understand the events of the past is evidenced in ancient times.  The Bible, for instance, tells of Israelites establishing memorials called “standing stones” so that future citizens would know about the things that had transpired long before they were born.

I have noticed how much emotion is evoked by visitors who hear the stories about the day-to-day experiences of former Effingham County residents.  One of our Museum rack cards says it so well when it describes the contents of a “Museum Packed with Emotion:” 

 Please visit our Museum.  Get in touch with the fantastic heritage of the area.

Latest Updates

Our Purpose

What is special about the Courthouse Museum

By JANE RIES

Upcoming Presentation March 9, 2023

The current 2022-2013 lecture series season has concluded.   

History Matters! Vol 9 Issue 3

Click the link below to download and read the latest news from the Effingham County Museum.

Hours & Location

100 E. Jefferson Ave.,
Effingham, IL 62401

Daytime Hours:
(January-February)- By appointment only and some special evening hours, TBA
Phone: 217.240.2471 to leave a message

(March through December)
Tuesday and Saturday 10 a.m-2 p.m.

Evening Hours:
6:00-7:00 p.m. on night of lecture series, November-March
Other times by appointment: Call (217)240-2471 to leave a message

ECCCMA Meeting Schedule

Board Meetings are held on the second Tuesday of each month at 6:00 p.m. at the court-house first floor courtroom. For information contact Delaine Donaldson, President at: delainedonaldson@mchsi.com.

General Membership Meetings are held once a month of the second Tuesday of the month at 6:00 p.m. at the court-house first floor courtroom.

MISSON STATEMENT
Our MISSION is to preserve our Historic Register structure, to collect artifacts from county history, and to use them to educate our local and external communities, while immersed in the broader context of American history.

VISION STATEMENT
Our VISION is that the 1872 Effingham County Courthouse remains as an architectural gem that instills a sense of community pride and provides a venue to
educate and showcase the history, art, and transportation of Effingham County.

Get Involved

On November 11, 2012, the Museum opened its doors to the public. Currently there are exhibits on the first floor and the second floor. On the second floor there is exhibit space as well as room for lectures and other types of public gatherings.