Donations

Are We A County Of Passive Citizens?

Or are we a group of progressive people who value the importance of our past history and want our children and grandchildren to know what Effingham County was all about?

Few buildings have this type of significance and we should all do our best to make sure that the dream of the Museum Association comes true. It's a changing world and we need to hold onto our past. Effingham County has always been a special place to live and visit and with a new technology world, there's a need to continue differentiating ourselves from all the other communities in central Illinois.

Dr. Ruben Boyajian has been quoted as saying: “A community is not just a main drag with a Wal-Mart, McDonald’s and fast-food chains. A town needs a personal signature and the courthouse square provides that."

While the ECCCMA members are very motivated and passionate about making sure the courthouse museum will become a reality, the truth is that it takes more than that. It takes the effort of the entire county... individuals, organizations and government. It takes commitment, work and money.

How To Be The Envy Of Other Illinois Communities

Dare to make Effingham County even better by volunteering your time and resources. There are numerous ways you can help... both now to make it happen and after the museum is up and running. Of course, right now is the time to offer your help. To make the museum a reality we need people to:

  • Make Donations
  • Become Association Members
  • Help Recruit New Members
  • Participate in Committees
  • Staff Booths at Awareness Events
  • Assist with Fundraisers
  • Suggest Fundraising Events
  • Plan and Implement Events
  • Search for Available Grants
  • Write Grants
  • Promote the Museum Using Social Media
  • Make Repairs and Perform Maintenance
  • Participate in Education/Awareness Activities

This is a significant opportunity...

For People Who Don't Have Time For Unimportant Tasks

This is for people who dare to make the county a better community. This is for people who realize the crimes we commit against our future generations by not banding together to make sure the courthouse does not become a parking lot.

Think back a few years. Think about all the parcels that are now parking lots in the City of Effingham. Do you remember the buildings that used to be there? Chances are that to most people those buildings are forgotten. Do you really want the old Effingham County Courthouse to be forgotten a few years from now?

If not, it's time to take action and make a donation in the form of money and/or time and expertise.

And do it NOW!

Click on the donation button below or visit the volunteer page for more information about helping out.

Thank you! We are very grateful for your donation

This will take y ou to a secure payment page. Please note:

You will automatically become an official member of the Museum Association for one year with any donation of $25 or more.

Courthouse "Gem" Donor Program

Diamond: $25,000 and above
Sapphire: $10,000-$24,999
Ruby: $5,000-$9,999
Emerald: $1,000-$4,999
Topaz: $500-$999
Opal: $250-$499

Annual Membership:
Individual: $25
Family: $50

To become a Member of the Effingham County Cultural Center and Museum Association, you may also send your contribution to:

ECCCMA
Box 324
100 East Jefferson St.
Effingham, IL 62401

Please include your contribution (payable to the Effingham County Cultural Center and Historical Museum Association or ECCCMA).

ECCCMA is a 501(c)(3) organization and donations are tax-deductable.

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.