Frohe Weihnachten! Monroe County has long been proud of its German roots. Join Mr. and Mrs. Clause as they discuss their German heritage and history.

Our salute to Veterans! The members of the Columbia American Legion will bring their WW2 military vehicles and other memorabilia to the Museum as we acknowledge the important role America played in the war.

Laurie Umbdenstock will be presenting on historic Prairie du Rocher. Prairie du Rocher held its 300th anniversary in 2020. The town has a rich French history that began before Illinois was ever a state.

Do you remember when Rex’s Confectionery was a special “hangout” for all ages and all purposes, such as discussing local and national politics, debating referees’ calls after local basketball games, enjoying Rex’s famous chili or ice cream sundaes after sledding down Rex’s Hill? While food and drinks, a jukebox, and pinball machines drew a crowd, Otis “Rex” Rethroth’s personality was most likely the main reason for the popularity of this establishment over the decades. John Pottoff, Rex’s grandson, will share memories of Rex’s and much more.

Friday Night at the Museum! The Thunder and Lightning Cloggers will be providing some great entertainment for the evening.

Sue Barker will be presenting The Hidden Sinkholes, Springs, and Caves. If you’ve ever wondered why Monroe County has so many sinkholes, this program is for you. We’ll discuss caves, how springs are connected to the Kaskaskia-Cahokia Trail, and the Alton Soccer field collapse.

“What’s the Point” an artifact ID roadshow. The Cahokia Archaeological Society, a local chapter of the Illinois Association of Archaeology, along with the Illinois Archaeological Survey will be at the Monroe County History Museum for an artifact ID event, which is part of our “Artifact Roadshow” Series. Join professional archaeologists for an opportunity to discuss the importance of site documentation and preservation. Please limit your questions to local finds and not purchased items. We will not be appraising or placing value on any of the items presented.

Author Stephen P. Walker will present the history of the Lemp family of St. Louis, including their once vast brewing empire, their tragic family history, and the elegant mansion they left behind.

Dar Patriots will be presented by local Whiteside DAR members led by Sarah Davis. Revolutionary soldiers of Monroe2meCounty will be the topic of discussion

We’ve all “heard that train a comin” and wondered where it was coming from and where it was going. Join us as Joe Sander discusses the “Railroads of Monroe County”.