Wayne County Historical Society

Wayne County Historical Society The Hanna House is Open 10am - 2pm Saturdays from April through October. The Early History Museum and Archives are open Saturdays, 10am -2pm or by appointment.

We can be reached at [email protected].

ALL actors and volunteers are reminded of the meeting Thursday evening, 8/27 at 6pm at the library.
08/26/2026

ALL actors and volunteers are reminded of the meeting Thursday evening, 8/27 at 6pm at the library.

08/19/2026

This week's post highlights Wayne County's first oil well, the George Bradley No. 1. Brought in by Pure Oil Co. in the spring of 1937, this discovery set off a drilling frenzy in which 75 percent of the county's 450,450 square acres was under lease a short time later. The Autumn 1984 issue of the Illinois Historical Journal reported that, "During the next few weeks watching oil wells became a pastime that created a traffic problem between Geff and Cisne. Many hundreds came and went all day long. The crowd became so great and the traffic so heavy in the afternoon that state policemen had to go on duty to direct traffic. Find out more about the 1937 Illinois oil boom here 🎥: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UIYkB8qgmNg

Tickets on sale now at the Fairfield Public Library and at Uniquely Rustique. $5 donation.
08/18/2026

Tickets on sale now at the Fairfield Public Library and at Uniquely Rustique. $5 donation.

The Historical Society August meeting will be the annual Picnic. August 20th, Thursday at 6pm at the Leo French Park....
08/18/2026

The Historical Society August meeting will be the annual Picnic. August 20th, Thursday at 6pm at the Leo French Park. The location will be at the Turkey Run shelter, just off Enterprise Road. You may drive up under the trees and park close to the shelter. Meat, drinks, and paper products will be provided. Guests may bring a covered dish to share.

08/11/2026

🎺 THE ROASTED CHESTNUTS ARE BACK! 🎶

After a year off, we are so pleased to welcome The Roasted Chestnuts back to the Fairfield Fall Fun Fest! If you’ve heard them before, you know just how much fun they bring to the Main Stage — and if you haven’t, you’re in for a treat!

🍂 Wednesday, September 16
🎶 6:30–7:15 p.m. | Main Stage

A big thank you to Hayes Plumbing & Heating for sponsoring their return!

Come downtown with your lawn chair, grab some festival food and help us give The Roasted Chestnuts a BIG Fairfield welcome back! 🎺🍁

The Historical Society August meeting will be the annual Picnic. Join us Thursday evening, August 20th at 6pm at the L...
08/10/2026

The Historical Society August meeting will be the annual Picnic. Join us Thursday evening, August 20th at 6pm at the Leo French Park. The location will be at the Turkey Run shelter, just off Enterprise Road. (across from Max Tipps’ house. You may drive up under the trees and park close to the shelter. Meat, drinks, and paper products will be provided. Guests may bring a covered dish to share.

Cemetery Tour actors and volunteers will meet Thursday, August 27 at 6:00pm at the library meeting room. We will finalize and distribute scripts, costumes, supplies and equipment. We will discuss logistics and answer any questions.
The Cemetery Tour practice run will be on Thursday, September 3rd at 6:00pm. Meet at the Veterans podium.

08/09/2026

On August 8, 1988, the Chicago Cubs host the first night game in the history of Wrigley Field.

To learn more, visit ilstatehistoricalsociety.substack.com

08/04/2026

Did you know? Late legendary Southern Illinois geologist and oilman Bernard Podolsky established a charitable trust that continues to help fund annual trips for Wayne County high school students to Washington D.C. to visit the Holocaust Memorial Museum and other important landmarks. More than 900 students have visited D.C. so far. Podolsky and his son, Michael, also received then Gov. Jim Edgar's "Illinois Outstanding Tree Farmer of the Year" award for their conservation work. These kind of stories rarely make headlines in legacy media outlets. Find out more at iprb.org: 👇https://illinoispetroleumresourcesboard.org/2019/07/19/trust-established-by-illinois-basin-icon-funds-d-c-trips-for-wayne-co-high-school-seniors/

Address

300 SE 2nd Street
Fairfield, IL
62837

Opening Hours

10am - 2pm

Telephone

(618) 842-3544

Website

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