Front holding page - do not edit.

National Registry of Historic Places

             A message from the Effingham County Museum's President, Delaine Donaldson 

 

                                                                                                                                                 

                                                              As of January 1, 2024, the Effingham County Museum is open to visitors by appointment only until the first Tuesday in March. A special presentation "History of the Cahokia Mounds," with Dr. Angela Cooper as the presenter, will take place on Thursday, April 11 at 6:00 PM in the Effingham County Cultural Center and Museum, Dr. Angela Cooper, Site Specialist at Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site, will speak about the Cahokia Mounds. The Cahokia Mounds are the remains of the most sophisticated prehistoric native civilization north of Mexico and is located a few miles west of Collinsville, IL. Within the 2,200 acre tract lie the archaeological remnants of the central section of the ancient settlement that is today known as Cahokia. Cahokia was the largest and most influential urban settlement of the Mississippian culture, which developed advanced societies across much of what is now the Central and the Southeastern United States, beginning more than 1,000 years before European contact. The presentation is the result of a partnership the Museum and the Effingham Public Library. As always, this is a free program and a library card is not required to attend but registration is required. Dr. Angela Cooper is originally from Mascoutah, IL and grew up learning about the great site of Cahokia Mounds. Her educational and professional career has centered around Illinois archaeology. Dr. Cooper received her MA from University of Tulsa studying the relationships of Hopewell sites in the Illinois River Valley. After graduation she worked as the supervisor of volunteer excavations of the East Palisade at Cahokia Mounds for two summers and worked as a Seasonal Interpreter at the site in between those summers. She returned to University of Tulsa and earned a PhD. To register or to learn more about this free library program and other library programs, go online to effinghamlibrary.org, email info@effinghamlibrary.org or call 217-342-2464. Throughout its history the Effingham County Cultural Center and Museum Association, Inc., an organization devoted to the preservation of the history of the county, has sponsored a lecture series during the winter months, November-March. The public is encouraged to attend to learn more about local history. There is no admission charge.

 

Latest Updates

Museum Gift Shop

EFFINGHAM COUNTY MUSEUM GIFT SHOP

Our Purpose

What is special about the Courthouse Museum

By JANE RIES

Historic Lecture Series for 2024 and Other Events

Historic Lecture Series for 2024 and Other Events

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.