Will County Historical Museum and Research Center
Will County Historical Museum and Research Center
  • Home
  • Events
  • Exhibits
  • Heritage Village
  • Volunteer
  • Become A Member!
  • Gift Shop
  • Board of Directors
  • Support the Museum
  • Collections and Research
  • Multimedia
  • Downloadable forms
  • Capital Campaign
  • Museum Partners
  • More
    • Home
    • Events
    • Exhibits
    • Heritage Village
    • Volunteer
    • Become A Member!
    • Gift Shop
    • Board of Directors
    • Support the Museum
    • Collections and Research
    • Multimedia
    • Downloadable forms
    • Capital Campaign
    • Museum Partners
  • Home
  • Events
  • Exhibits
  • Heritage Village
  • Volunteer
  • Become A Member!
  • Gift Shop
  • Board of Directors
  • Support the Museum
  • Collections and Research
  • Multimedia
  • Downloadable forms
  • Capital Campaign
  • Museum Partners

(815) 838-5080

Welcome to the Will County Historical Museum and Research Center

Welcome to the Will County Historical Museum and Research CenterWelcome to the Will County Historical Museum and Research CenterWelcome to the Will County Historical Museum and Research Center
Get in Touch

Our Blog

About The Museum

Lockport Public School in a parade [maybe around 1900]

In 1837, the town of Lockport was laid out by the Illinois and Michigan Canal commissioners, and an office was constructed and became headquarters for administrative of the waterway.  The office played a central role in the design, financing, and construction of the I & M Canal, which connected the Great Lakes to the Mississippi River and Gulf of Mexico.  The canal extended ninety-six miles from the south branch of the Chicago River near Lake Michigan to the Illinois River at LaSalle-Peru, and was in operation from 1848 to 1914.

 In 1876, a residence for the Canal Superintendent was added to the office building, and a bank vault was installed in the administration office to store canal records.  It later served as headquarters for the Sanitary and Ship Canal.  In 1972, the building was recognized by the National Park Service with a listing on the National Register of Historic Places.  This building is now operated by the Will County Historical Museum and Research Center, and is part of the I & M Canal National Heritage Area.

Mission Statement

The Will County Historical Society exists so that people and organizations may be connected to the rich history of Will County, Illinois

In the News

Rare Will County Census from 1845 Goes to State Archive


Local Exhibit Displays Timeless Wedding Attire


Rare Lincoln funeral flowers discovered at Will County Historical Museum


Right Hat for the right era


Newly renovated Historical Museum opens in Lockport


Will County Historical Museum-Built in 1837-receives facelift


proud partner withe the National underground railroad network to freedom

In 2019, with the help of WCHS Board Member Dr. Larry McClellan, the Illinois and Michigan Canal was designated as 1 of over 600 locations associated with the Underground Railroad associated with the National Park Service.  You can visit the National  Park Service's website telling more about the Network to Freedom here:  https://www.nps.gov/subjects/undergroundrailroad/index.htm 

Subscribe

Contact Us

Drop us a line!

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Better yet, see us in person!

We love our customers, so feel free to visit during normal business hours.


Photographs are allowed, so please bring your camera!


We are also a volunteer based organization.  So to ensure you have a great visit, please call ahead to make sure a volunteer will be at the museum for your visit. 


Group tours of the Museum and Heritage Village are available. Please call the Museum to schedule your tour time.

Will County Historical Museum and Research Center

803 S State St, Lockport, Illinois 60441, United States

(815) 838-5080

Winter Hours

Today

Closed

The Museum is open to the public.


Admission is free.

Donations are appreciated.


We are closed major holidays.

Connect With Us

Copyright © 2023 Will County Historical Museum and Research Center - All Rights Reserved.


Powered by GoDaddy