HENRY COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY

BISHOP HILL, IL

20220515 09 Geneseo, Illinois Credit: davidwilson1949

The Henry County Historical Society (HCHS) is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the history and culture of Henry County, Illinois. Located in Bishop Hill, the Society was founded in 1972 and is housed in an 1877 building that served as the town’s schoolhouse, church and community center. The museum features a variety of artifacts and displays that tell the story of Bishop Hill’s Swedish pioneers, who founded the community in 1846. Visitors can explore the original schoolroom and view artifacts from the 19th century, including a fire engine, farm tools, furniture and clothing.

The HCHS also offers a variety of educational programs for school groups, adults and families. Programs range from early American history to traditional Swedish folk arts and culture. The Society also hosts a number of special events throughout the year, including a Pioneer Days celebration in the summer and a Swedish Christmas celebration in the winter.

The HCHS also houses a research library and archives, which contain family histories, church records, government documents and other materials related to Henry County’s history. The library is an invaluable resource for researchers and anyone interested in learning more about the area’s past.

The Henry County Historical Society is an important part of the local community and is dedicated to preserving and sharing the history of Henry County.

HENRY COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY is a Historical Societies, Historic Preservation in BISHOP HILL IL. US MID #8401700581

The museum is classed as HSC (Historical Societies, Historic Preservation). It comes under American Alliance of Museums (AAM) region: Midwest (Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, Wisconsin).

Picking Up The Pieces The 6988 had been plugging along quick, and then a gasket on its water pump failed, bringing the train to a stop. Some half hour and change later, they were starting to roll ahead through the small town of Mineral. Mineral is home to an old wooden elevator, which is where a large number of railfans have congregated. There wasn't any question though, I had to join the crowd as soon as I saw the elevator. I'm still not quite over the loss of the elevator at Lodge, so I'm really grasping for anything to make up for it. The Mineral grain elevator will have to do here. It's a nice elevator.

A fun fact, this is the one and only time I've taken a vertical photo and not completely hated it. Truly, a first time for everything.

Joining the Frenzy I was late to the party on the QJ, but with info sent just the night prior, I had time enough to catch the Silvis to Bureau (and return) run - the last run before the Chinese steamer's rebuild. I'm glad I was able to make it out on short notice, it was a fun chase through my home state. I haven't seen steam in operation here since 2019, which was extra fun.

There is something interesting about the juxtaposition of it all - a Chinese built steam locomotive running a mixed passenger/freight train through Illinois farmland, adorned with American and Ukrainian flags. Someone smarter than I could probably spin that rather symbolically, but all I know is that it was just pretty cool. Except the weather, that was pretty hot.

Illinois Farm View from the passenger seat on Interstate 80, it had been raining across Iowa

AMTRAK in the morning... ...near Altona/IL (November 2016)

Old Railroad Bridge over Frozen River in Annawan, IL Old Railroad Bridge over Frozen River in Annawan, IL

Contact HENRY COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY

HENRY COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY
PO BOX 48
BISHOP HILL
IL
61419

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HENRY COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY Information

MID #	8401700581
Name	HENRY COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Alternate Name
Classification	Historical Societies, Historic Preservation, , Midwest
Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN)	362793910
NTEECC
Tax period of the latest return filed (YYYYMM)	201302
INCOME	0
REVENUE	0
LAT/LONG	41.200405, -90.1188
CODES	FIPS State Code: 17 FIPS County Code: 073 US Census Tract: 031200 US Census Block: 1096