Canal Warehouse Utica, IL _June 2023_Doc

LaSalle County Historical Society

Nestled in the heart of Starved Rock Country, the LaSalle County Historical Society stands as a trusted guardian of LaSalle County’s rich heritage and history. Established in 1907, our organization has been a cornerstone of local cultural preservation, dedicated to chronicling the narrative of LaSalle County’s people, places, and pivotal moments. Its mission, at once simple and profound, is to discover, collect, and preserve the historical legacy of LaSalle County, ensuring that the stories of yesteryear inform and inspire future generations.

The LaSalle County Historical Society is more than a caretaker of artifacts: it is a living bridge between past and present. Through its commitment to preservation, interpretation, and education, the Society ensures that the stories, struggles, and triumphs of LaSalle County are not only remembered but revisited and celebrated. We invite you to invest in our mission and help us continue to preserve our rich history.

The LCHS campus consists of our Canal Warehouse, Heritage Center, Canal Market, Blacksmith Shop/Barn, and One-Room Schoolhouse.

The society also holds several events throughout the year, most notably our Annual Burgoo Festival and our Wild Bill Hickok Days.

Discover the rich history of LaSalle County

Welcome to the

Plan your visit today!

Hours of Operation

Our Museum Complex is open to the public Friday, Saturday, and Sunday 12-4pm.

We also open by appointment Monday - Thursday, kindly email us at

office@lasallecountyhistoricalsociety.org

(two weeks prior notice is needed for staffing)

Admissions

Visiting the LCHS Museum Campus is free- we charge no admissions fee. In return, we ask that you consider making a donation while enjoying the many exhibits and buildings that house our local history! It is these donations which keep our museum doors open to the public.

Schedule a Weekday Tour!

Special Exhibits & Programs

Coal Towns & Soccer Towns

Program by Chuck Carlson

August 29, 2026

1pm

The World Cup, soccer’s premier global event, has been played in the United States four times in the past 32 years, including the summer of 2026. While those international tournaments can seem far removed from LaSalle County, the world’s game actually has a long and distinguished history in the area. Teams such as the Spring Valley Celts, Coal City Maroons and Dalzell American Nickeloid played high quality soccer in the Illinois Valley (and beyond) from the 1880’s to World War II.
Soccer Historian Chuck Carlson will discuss some of those local teams and their connections to national and international soccer, the social climate that existed in Illinois coal mining communities during the soccer heyday as well as the importance of girls’ soccer in keeping the game alive in the United States.

LaSalle County and Northern Illinois during World War II

Program by Professor Dennis Doyle

September 17, 2026

7pm

During World War II, communities across the United States mobilized to support the war effort in numerous ways. LaSalle County and the broader Northern Illinois region played a significant role, contributing resources, manpower, and morale to the national cause. This overview examines the key efforts made by these communities, highlighting their impact both locally and globally.

LCHS Publications:

Upcoming Offerings

LaSalle County: The Rivers & The Prairies

Written and researched by Amanda Bell-Spitzer, this 462-page book examines LaSalle County's rich history from pre-history to 1991. Featuring a classic design, this hardcover book contains interesting local stories sure to please any history lover!

Union Men, Brave and True

With information compiled and written by Civil War historian James Huffstodt, this 56-page full-color magazine explores LaSalle County's role in the Civil War. The magazine highlights many of those LaSalle County residents who fought for the Union on the frontlines and the aftermath of the War at home.

Order these Upcoming Titles Today

2026 Events

Antiquin' Weekend

April 25-26, 2026

11-5pm

Join the LCHS Canal Market at our 6th Annual Antiquin' Weeeknd in the quaint Village of North Utica!! Vintage and Antique Vendors will be set up with their unique treasures.

More Info Here!

UGC Garden Faire &

Plant Sale

June 6-7, 2026

9-4pm

Utica Garden Club will be selling Perennials & assorted plants in addition to gardening themed vendors at our Canal Market!

More Info Here!

Wild Bill Hickok Days

May 30 - 31, 2026

The LaSalle County Historical Society invites you to join us for a weekend filled with family fun and entertainment celebrating LaSalle County's most famous native, Wild Bill Hickok. An 8 scene reenactment as well as an 80 minute live arena show will be sure to captivate the family!

More Info Here!

Christmas at the

Canal Market

November 28-29, 2026

11-5pm

Visit the Canal Market full of vendors selling their Christmas themed wares during the Village of North Utica's Christmas in the Village!

E.B. Thornton Endowment

The LaSalle County Historical Society announced a $25,000 Endowment has been established in memory of local historian, preservationist and long-time supporter of the Historical Society, Edmund B. Thornton. The Endowment, received from the Edmund B. Thornton Foundation, will be used for reimbursement of compensation paid for interns.

The Officers and Board of Directors along with the Staff and Members of the Society are honored to have received this generous gift from Susan and Taylor Thornton, the wife and daughter of Edmund, on behalf of the Thornton Foundation.

Beginning in 2025, the Society will utilize endowment funds to hire interns who will assist in the collection, preservation, and education of LaSalle County history. College students studying history, or a related subject will have priority in filling these part-time or short-term paid positions. Important duties such as assisting with collections research & digitization projects, drafting articles, and helping with Museum events are examples of jobs interns perform.

Intern Application