The History Museum

Built in 1885 this historically significant structure served as the minister’s home for the English Lutheran Church, which later became Luther Memorial Church, from 1917 to 1951. The red entrance symbolizes the house’s historical connection with the church, which has red doors. As a museum of the Historical Society, the building now provides an exhibition facility showcasing items from Adams County’s past.

Exhibits in The History Museum are organized by themes and include the Black and White Gallery and rooms highlighting the Civil War, early founders, education and fine arts, industry, agriculture, pharmacies and medicine, steamboats, railroads, circuses, and a major doll collection. One Adams County township is featured annually in a rotating display with items depicting its history and its Centennial Farms. Tours of The History Museum begin in the Visitors Center, which is the next building south.

Welcome!

Welcome to the official blog of the Historical Society of Quincy and Adams County. It's been around for only a couple days, but this is what you'd call the initial public offering. Check out the earlier posts, and keep coming back for plenty more - including information about HSQAC events and anything else history related that's going on...

Contributions and help from the public are more than welcome here. If you have any old photographs related to the history of Quincy and Adams County, that you'd like to share... Please email them to meprovine@yahoo.com, along with all the details, and I'll get them on.

Visitors Center

The Visitors Center on the John Wood mansion campus at 425 South 12th Street houses the Society headquarters, historical library, and audio visual and group meeting room.

The Historical Society's extensive library features many important books and documents on early life in Quincy and Adams County. These include city directories, city and county histories, and other original resources for research.

The library was enhanced in 2003 with the expansion of the Visitors Center, creating and additional second story room for the library collection.

The library is open Tuesday through Friday from 10am to 2pm, and is available to Society members and researchers.

Quincy's History Shop, located in the Visitors Center, offers Quincy souvenirs and original hand-crafted selections from local artisians reminiscent of the 19th century. Here you can find postcards, books about local history and architechure, framed art, and decorative items.

Call (217) 222-1835 for more information.

1835 Pioneer Log Cabin

The 1835 Pioneer Log Cabin is preserved and refurbished authentically. It is the focal point of the Society's efforts to educate younger students about the history of early Quincy and Adams County. Programs for 3rd grade Adams County students began in Spring 2003. Students are guided by costumed interpreters through a 4-part learning program highlighting pre-settlement life in Adams County, Pioneer Life from 1835, Craft Demonsrations and Authentic Pioneer Garden.

Become a Member!

The Historical Society of Quincy & Adams County extends an eager invitation to friends, neighbors, scholars and all other history buffs to join our growing membership roster and help us build a strong constituency as we begin our second century of public service.

The Society continues to develop new programs and expand its facilities, as well as create interest and community involvement in local history. We welcome your input and assistance in meeting the Society’s mission.

YOUR MEMBERSHIP HELPS THE SOCIETY:
• Collect & Preserve Historical Items
• Continue Restoration & Maintenance of the Governor John Wood Mansion
• Preserve the 1835 Pioneer Log Cabin & The History Museum
• Develop Educational Programs for the Public & Adams County Students

YOUR MEMBERSHIP GIVES YOU:
• Special Events and Programs
• Annual Christmas Preview Party
• Use of the Society's Reference Library
• Free Admission to Tours
• 10% Discount at Quincy's History Shop
• Periodic Newsletter

MEMBERSHIP FORM
Download, print, fill out, and mail in the Society membership form below. Or, call the Society office (222-1835) to request a form be sent to you.

Historical Society Membership Form;

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Word file

Our Mission...

The Society’s mission is to provide for the education of its members and other local residents about the history of Quincy, Adams County, and the surrounding area. The society is committed to the collection and preservation of documents and other physical objects related to local history. Preserving and maintaining the governor John Wood Mansion as a historic and architectural structure is a key priority of the Society.

Welcome to the Historical Society of Quincy & Adams County's Official Blog.

A work in progress!