Last updated: 3/24/2013
La Harpe Museum
LaHarpe, Illinois
Street Address
111 E MainLaHarpe, IL 61450
Mailing Address
PO Box 289LaHarpe, IL 61450
phone: 217-659-3921
e-mail: ada@laharpe.us

Hours

Monday, Saturday
9 AM - 11 AM & 1 PM - 4 PM

Admissions

Free. Donations Accepted.

Staff

Darlene Bennett
phone: 217-659-3635
e-mail:
Ada Hubbard
phone: 217-659-3921
Description

The local membership does research of families (at a nominal fee) for those who visit the museum and many who correspond. Most of the local histories have been indexed, as have the scrapbooks compiled from local newspapers containing obits, weddings, and anniversaries. The museum also has many family files and card files with cross-indexing. Microfiche of Illinois marriages including Hancock county 1829-1890 are also available to those doing research, and copies of numerous township burial records.

Has some Lincoln artifacts. Displays about Oatmans, Duryea.

Mission

To consereve local history. We have a genealogy section.

History
LaHarpe Historical & Genealogical Society

The LaHarpe Historical & Genealogical Society was organized in 1986, and several charter members are still active members. It is entirely self-supporting, and since its inception it has had a number of money-making activities, the first a Tour of Homes in Nov., 1986, and a Craft and Quilt Show in 1987.

In an effort to promote LaHarpe, a brochure with pictures of LaHarpe's historic buildings and homes was created and printed, and these were distributed over a wide area. These sparked an interest in history in the 5th grade class of the local school, and for a few years in May they had a 2-week period of time devoted to LaHarpe's history and genealogy, including a walking tour past the buildings on the brochure.

Members felt it crucial that LaHarpe's history be preserved, and undertook the project to have the local newspapers put on microfilm, dating back to 1875. This film was presented to the library, and the Historical Society donated money to help purchase a reader-printer, and they also purchased census films.

Since many buildings on Main street are on the National Register of Historic Places, the Historical Society contacted state officials and the result was the placing of signs on the highway denoting LaHarpe's Historic District and others pointing to two Lincoln markers. Members have worked diligently to preserve historic buildings that were in danger of being abandoned, and worked to repair and paint an empty store front on Main street that was unsightly.

Artifact Collections

Some Lincoln artifacts.

There is a Lincoln rail in the park giving history of the President speaking in La Harpe and a reference to his ancestors in Fountain Green

Educational Programs

Educational tours are available.

Publications

Quarterly newsletter with membership to Society

Services
Miniature buildings for sale.

In 1990 society members began work on a hand-made miniature of the City Hall, to have for sale. It was so successful that each year a new one is crafted.

Gift Shop
Online Gift Shop
Group Tours
ADA
Wheelchair Accessible
Parking
Restrooms
Exhibitions
Museum Events
DISCLAIMER
This information, including business hours, addresses and contact information is provided for general reference purposes only. No representation is made or warranty is given as to its content or the reliability thereof. User assumes all risk of use. Stories USA, Inc. and its content suppliers assume no responsibility for any loss or delay resulting from such use. Please call ahead to verify the dates, the location and directions.

MUSEUM CONFERENCES

Museum Trustee Association Spring Forum 2024

April 10 - 14, 2024

Atlanta, Georgia

Texas Association of Museums 2024 Lubock Annual Conference

April 14 - 17, 2024

Lubbock, Texas

2024 Colorado-Wyoming ANNUAL MEETING

May 1 - 4, 2024

Worland, Wyoming

West Virginia Association of Museums 2024 Conference

June 6 - 8, 2024

Shepherdstown, West Virginia

RECENT UPDATES

Museums

03/07 The Mariners' Museum and Park

Newport News, Virginia

Museum Vendors

02/18 Tessellate

New York City, New York

10/30 Museum Fabrication Group, LLC

Denton, Texas

03/07 ConservArt Inc.

Boca Raton, Florida