Peoria Historical Society

Peoria Historical Society The Peoria Historical Society preserves, shares and celebrates Peoria History. BECOME A MEMBER TODAY! https://peoriahistoricalsociety.org/memberships/ The John C.

Flanagan House Museum was built in 1837 on Peoria’s east bluff by John C. Flanagan and is the oldest standing house in Peoria. This American Federal style house offers a spectacular view of the Illinois River Valley. John C. Flanagan, a young Philadelphia lawyer, came to settle his father's estate of 600 acres. John became entranced by the beauty of the Illinois River Valley and decided to settle,

build and become a land developer. Designed in the Federal style, Peoria Historical Society acquired the house in 1962 and it was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1975. Exquisite Empire furnishings and period artifacts are displayed in room settings on two floors. 18th and 19th century Peoria area history exhibits and the story of the Peoria distillery industry are also featured. Special events are held throughout the year. Collections of antique glass, china, furniture, toys, quilts, tools, and vintage clothing are displayed. The house is on the National Register of Historic Places and is owned by the Peoria Historical Society. It is also the headquarters of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), Peoria Chapter.

Celebrate Bradley Family Weekend with a look into Bradley’s past!Join the Peoria Historical Society for an exclusive exh...
09/09/2026

Celebrate Bradley Family Weekend with a look into Bradley’s past!

Join the Peoria Historical Society for an exclusive exhibit of 1930s Bradley University memorabilia from a private collection.

📅 Sunday, September 20
⏰ 1:00–4:00 p.m.
📍 Pettengill-Morron House Museum
1212 W. Moss Ave., Peoria, IL

For more information, contact the Peoria Historical Society at (309) 674-1921.

Come celebrate Bradley’s history and see memorabilia rarely on public display!
We are open for Bradley's Family Weekend in addition to the regular Thursdays and Sunday, September 27. Group tours of 4 or more will be given by appointment.

09/08/2026

History isn’t just about the past it’s about what we choose to carry forward. ❤️

Your membership or donation helps the Peoria Historical Society preserve the places and stories that connect our community to its past.

Help us keep Peoria’s story alive.

Join us today at peoriahistoricalsociety.org or call (309) 674-1921.

Saturday, September 12 | 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.History on the Move: Abraham Lincoln Bus TourPeoria played a key role during t...
09/06/2026

Saturday, September 12 | 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

History on the Move: Abraham Lincoln Bus Tour
Peoria played a key role during the Civil War. Learn about Abraham Lincoln's visits to Peoria, local Civil War camps, veterans buried at Springdale Cemetery, and Peoria's abolitionist effort.

Tickets at 309tix.com or call (309)674-1921

09/05/2026

Co-Chair Becky Doubleday for the Peoria Historical Society invites you all to our annual Henri de Tonti Award Celebration!
This year, we are honored to celebrate Bradley University and James E. Shadid as our 2026 Henri de Tonti Award recipients.

Join us for an evening of celebration, food, and recognition of their lasting impact on the Peoria community.

📅 Thursday, September 17, 2026
📍 The Warehouse on State
⏰ Cocktails & Appetizers at 5:30 PM | Awards Program at 6:30 PM

Tickets are available at 309tix.com or by calling the Peoria Historical Society at 309-674-1921.

We hope to see you there!

🍎 Tanners: A Multigenerational Family Farm 🍎Join the Peoria Historical Society on Thursday, October 1, from 1:00–2:30 p....
09/04/2026

🍎 Tanners: A Multigenerational Family Farm 🍎

Join the Peoria Historical Society on Thursday, October 1, from 1:00–2:30 p.m. for a special behind-the-scenes tour of Tanners Orchard!

The Tour Includes:
- Hayrack ride to the orchard & apple picking
- Stories and history of Tanners & their apple varieties
- Behind-the-scenes look at the packing shed & c***r-making, with sample tastings
- Visit the bakery to see apple c***r donuts being made, with sample tastings
- Free time to shop, explore, and enjoy!

📅 Thursday, October 1
⏰ 1:00–2:30 p.m.
🎟️ Admission: $7
Tickets are available at 309tix.com or by calling the Peoria Historical Society office at (309) 674-1921.

Come experience the history and traditions behind one of the area’s favorite local treasures!

Tour the John C. Flanagan House Museum on Sunday September 6th!Join us for a guided tour of the John C. Flanagan House M...
09/03/2026

Tour the John C. Flanagan House Museum on Sunday September 6th!

Join us for a guided tour of the John C. Flanagan House Museum and learn more about the history, architecture, and stories behind this beautiful Peoria landmark.

📅 Sunday September 6th
🎟️ Tickets are available at 309tix.com or by
calling our office at 309-674-1921.

Come experience a piece of Peoria’s history!

The Pettengill-Morron House Museum will be open Thursday from 10-2.Make your Labor Day picnic special with a Longaberger...
09/02/2026

The Pettengill-Morron House Museum will be open Thursday from 10-2.

Make your Labor Day picnic special with a Longaberger basket from the P-M Gift Shop!

Our September house tour schedule has arrived! Make plans to explore the Pettengill-Morron House and the John C. Flanaga...
09/01/2026

Our September house tour schedule has arrived! Make plans to explore the Pettengill-Morron House and the John C. Flanagan House Museum this month. Tickets are $10, and we look forward to welcoming you!
🎟️ Secure your spots at 309tix.com, online at PeoriaHistoricalSociety.org, or by calling our office at (309) 674-1921 today.

From local bus tours to community gatherings, we have a fantastic lineup of events scheduled all month long. Take a look...
08/31/2026

From local bus tours to community gatherings, we have a fantastic lineup of events scheduled all month long. Take a look at the graphic for all the dates, locations, and details. Keep in mind that our bus tours fill up quickly and do require reservations!
🎟️ To secure your tickets, visit 309tix.com or call our office at (309) 674-1921 today!

Consider becoming a Peoria Historical Society member today. Your membership helps us preserve our historic house museums, protect local archives, and keep Peoria's vibrant history alive for generations to come.

Saturday, September 5 | 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.History on the Move: Roll Out the BarrelPeoria once reigned as a premier wh***e...
08/30/2026

Saturday, September 5 | 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

History on the Move: Roll Out the Barrel
Peoria once reigned as a premier wh***ey capital, fueling massive fortunes and booming industries like stockyards and cooperages. Discover the history behind this golden era of local distilling and industrial growth.

The tour departs at 10 a.m. from the parking lot across from Kelleher's Irish Pub (619 SW Water St.). Tickets are $20 per person, and reservations are required. Reserve your spot by visiting 309tix.com or calling 309-674-1921.

Address

611 SW Washington Street
Peoria, IL
61602

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 4pm
Tuesday 9am - 4pm
Wednesday 9am - 4pm
Thursday 9am - 4pm
Friday 9am - 4pm

Telephone

+13096741921

Website

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