Arts Quincy Magazine

HUMANITIES
Historical Society Reopening Properties to the Public
Following a year-long closure, the Historical Society of Quincy and Adams County
has recently reopened the Governor John Wood Mansion to the public and
this April, visitors will be welcomed to tour the History Museum on the Square
in person! During the closure, the exhibits committee took the opportunity to
prepare new installations at the History Museum on the Square including ‘Road
to Freedom’ and ‘Golden Age of Quincy.’ Both exhibits include great stories,
interesting artifacts and feature many connections to local history.
HISTORY MUSEUM REOPENING
Friday, April 23 from 4-7 pm
GOLDEN AGE OF QUINCY
Sunday, May 2 at 1 & 3 pm
& Sunday, June 27 (Time TBD)
History Museum, 332 Maine St.
hsqac.org or 217-222-1835
The public is invited to celebrate the
reopening of the museum on Friday,
April 23 during a reception from 4-7
pm. That evening will also kick-off the
organization’s annual membership
drive. After the reception, the museum
will resume regular hours of Tuesday-
Saturday from 10 am-4 pm.
As visitors explore these treasured
properties and collections, they will
find the new Ernest Wood addition to
the building that features “The Road to
Freedom,” installation. This fascinating
exhibit will give visitors insight to ways
local pioneers
contributed to
the success of
the Underground
Railroad system
through Western
Illinois. The exhibit
highlights the life of
Fr. Augustus Tolton,
the first black priest
in North America. Fr. Augustus Tolton
The exhibit also has
a focus is on ‘Free’
Frank McWorter, a
black man who was
the founder of the
progressive town of
New Philadelphia near
Barry, in Pike County
in 1839. In addition,
Dr. David Nelson, the
‘Free’ Frank McWorter
founder of the Mission
Institute in Quincy, is featured as an
influence to teachers and students.
The first floor of the museum also holds
the new installation the ‘Golden Age
of Quincy: 1870s-1900.’ This exhibit
explores a time of rapid growth and
expansion of Quincy. With access to the
Mississippi River and abundant natural
resources, the town quickly developed
economically and provided opportunities
for families to set roots.*
The second floor of the museum offers
more installations including new pieces
of artwork by Edward Everett, the
Stained Glass Gallery, the interactive
Window onto the Square display, a new
addition that looks into Quincy’s Jewish
community and much more. Outside the
museum, visitors will find an incredible
sculpture garden and memorial plaza.
Save the date for a two-part series on
the Golden Age of Quincy. The first
History Museum on the Square, 332 Maine St.
program, on Sunday, May 2, will have two
sessions to adhere to health regulations
with the first session beginning at 1 pm
and the second session starting at 3
pm. The second program will be held
on Sunday, June 27 with the time still to
be determined. Call 217-222-1835 to
reserve your seat to these free events.
“Gem City” apparel available to purchase from the
Quincy History Shop or at hsqac.org.
Don’t miss the Quincy History Shop
inside the History Museum on the
Square that has also opened to
shoppers both in-person and through
a new online store. Learn about all
that the organization has to offer by
visiting hsqac.org or schedule a tour
by calling 217-222-1835.
YOUR PROJECT PARTNER
When you don’t know where to start
– start with us!
North 12th & Seminary Road • Quincy, IL
217-223-3791 • www.WoodMartBuildingCenter.com
26 artsquincy.org