WATCH FOR THESE ANNUAL EVENTS

History Thru Art “REnnick” Art Show

The Annual Rennick Art Show is held at the Peoria Riverfront Museum. Artwork must be connected to the history of Peoria. This month long show has cash prizes for top three winners and honorable mention. Artist are invited to contact executivedirector@peoriahistoricalsociety.org for more information. Save the date! Coming back in May 2024. Artist please contact the office at 309.674.1921 to be added to the mailing list for information.

Peoria Historical Society Exhibits at the Peoria Public Library

The Historical Society has an annual exhibit at the Peoria Public Library Main Branch – Gallery Space. The 2024 show will feature artwork and artifacts from our collection. Look for upcoming information for more exhibits.

The Moss Avenue Antique Sale & Festival

The Moss Avenue Antique Sale & Festival features over 120 vendors, food, and live music. The Historical Society opens the Pettengill-Morron House Museum for tours throughout the day and there is an upscale porch sale on the grounds. The Annual Moss Avenue Sale & Festival will be held in June 2024 from 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM.

4th of July at Pettengill-Morron HOuse Museum

The Moss Bradley Residential Association hosts a community gathering on the afternoon of July 4th. Join us at Pettengill-Morron House Museum to celebrate.

4th of July at Flanagan House Museum

Enjoy a wonderful view of the magnificent Peoria fireworks on the Illinois riverfront as you relax in the shade of the Flanagan House yard. Refreshments are available or pack your own picnic. Museum House tours are also available! 

henri deTonti award celebration

Each year the Historical Society honors individuals who demonstrate outstanding community leadership. Previous recipients have included Caterpillar Inc., State Senator Dave Koehler, Art and Judy Oakford, and Ray LaHood, former congressman and U.S. Secretary of Transportation.

Holiday Home Tours

A Holiday Home tour is being planned for the first weekend in December 2024. Peoria is home to some wonderful historic homes that are beautifully decorated for the holidays, along with special displays and activities. More details about the homes is coming soon. Tickets will be available the first week of November in the office, at our museum houses and through 309tix.com.

John C. Flanagan House Museum

Private Tours are available by appointments for small groups. Open House Dates are every 1st and 3rd Sunday from 1:00-4:00 PM. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for students and $3 for children.
For questions, private tours and special event rentals please contact the Peoria Historical Society Office 309-674-1921. 

The John C. Flanagan House Museum was built in 1837 on Peoria's east bluff by Judge John C. Flanagan and is the oldest standing house in Peoria. This American Federalist style house offers a spectacular view of the Illinois River Valley. Collections of antique glass, china, furniture, toys, quilts and vintage clothing are displayed. The house is on the National Register of Historic Places and is owned by the Peoria Historical Society.

PETTENGILL-MORRON house Museum

Every Thursday Open House from 10AM - 2PM. Private Tours are available for small groups by appointments. For questions, private tours and special event rentals contact the Peoria Historical Society Office 309-674-1921.

The Pettengill-Morron House has celebrated 150 years! When you visit lean about all of the owners, stories of abolitionists and the underground railroad, what famous actor was married in the home and other stories of Peoria's past along with unique collection of pieces. The house is on the National Register of Historic Places and is owned by the Peoria Historical Society.

History on the Move: Historical Peoria Bus Tours. Watch for 2024 Tour Information.

Bus tour DESCRIPTIONs

Roll Out the Barrel

This is a Tours Plus with an extra stop!

Experience Peoria's years as Whiskey Capital of the World.

Peoria once featured a riverfront lined with breweries and distilleries, and thus came to be known as the Whiskey Capital of the World. 

From 1850 to Prohibition, the volume of whiskey distilled, aged, and bottled in Peoria led to great fortunes being made and to the birth of equally prosperous secondary industries. Discover why Peoria was the perfect place for all of these industries to be developed.

Naughty to Nice

This tour traces triumphs through time from the 1920’s to the present.  Tales of gambling and mobsters, including the site of Peoria’s most notorious crime – the Bernie Shelton murder, provide a fascinating look into this era.  Also, discover why Peoria has won the prestigious
All-America City Award four times. 

 Note: This tour is not appropriate for children.

Roots of River City

This tour has it all - the earliest settlement of the area, the whiskey and earth-moving capital of the world, the great mansions of Grandview Drive and the beautiful historic areas of High Street and Moss Avenue.

Worlds Most Beautiful Drive

This tour will focus on the history of the beautiful and gracious homes of Grand View Drive. In addition, we will look at the LeTourneau all-steel homes located in Peoria Heights.   The history of transportation industries and the former Pabst Brewery in this small community are also addressed.

Historic Springdale Cemetery

Historic Springdale Cemetery has many fascinating stories.  Explore the oldest chartered cemetery in the state of Illinois and enjoy the beautiful park-like setting as you hear stories of those who have their final resting place there.

Haunted Peoria Tour

Explore the darker side of Peoria! Discover the stories behind the ghostly appearances that have startled and puzzled Peorians through the years. Curses, graves, legends and spooky sightings abound.

Warehouse District renaissance

Once a dusty collection of aging warehouses, the Warehouse District is now changing rapidly. New residential units, restaurants and retail make this area vibrant. The early history of the area and the factors that led to new development will be shared.

Notable Women

Peoria has a rich history of fascinating women who have made their mark on the city. You will learn about three Peoria women inducted into the National Women’s Hall of Fame, as well as discovering other women who impacted education, business, medicine, and the lives of those less fortunate.

Abe Lincoln

Learn about Lincoln's many visits to Peoria, the Civil War camps located here and the veterans' final resting places in Springdale Cemetery. Learn about abolition and view the GAR Hall, built in 1909.