Museum  Spring/Summer Schedule
May through September
Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday
10 am - 2 pm
​Sunday 12-4 p.m.

​Museum tours available by appointment
 We will attempt to accommodate travelers, family groups home for the holidays.
Also, during  this period, the  "OPEN" sign will be out on the days
that we are in the building working on the displays.
 
​Please text 833.228.8603, or email to schedule a visit.
​121 S Macoupin St Gillespie, IL 62033
Recently at the Museum
COAL MINES ONE THE PRAIRIE  written by former Gillespie resident, Harold 'Herk' Rauzi, is a great snapshot of our Coal Country history. On sale now at the museum (only  $10).
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Bill Winkelblack stopped by to peruse the 1950's Coliseum posters, including the Will Black Orchestra
Louann Brown paints another masterpiece adding a great photo -op to the museum facade. 
The Collinsville Parks & Recreation summer kids program - science week - included a coal museum stop. Among the topics covered were ; past and current coal mining methods, mining hazards and safety measures, coal formation, and past and current environmental issues. Their lunch break included the Benld Coliseum video. Great kids with plenty of questions.  
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The first of 3 waves of  the Illinois Route 66 Association Motor tour 2019 viewed the Coliseum Ballroom and The Wickedest City In America. The approximately 50 '66 Road Warriors' enjoyed the presentation by display creator Jim Marcacci and posed many follow up questions.  Many of the repeat visitors  mentioned their stopping in again on the 2020 Motor Tour to see what other exhibit additions and enhancements we complete.       
Gillespie Middle School  group toured the museum to gather information for a week long, school year ending coal mining project. 
The tourist season has begun.  Here is a selection of  some of the people and places represented  this May.
The Illinois Mining Institute, a very good  friend of the museum,  held their quarterly meeting ,had a luncheon, and  viewed the coal museum that they helped  create. 
​Thank You!

The first Route 66 photo op using our printed mural concept - just beating  the second window treatment due in a couple of hours. 
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The Gillespie High School  faculty also toured the museum.  Along with the preservation  of our rich history and  the associated educational potential the museum offers, Grow Gillespie  and it's  focus on retaining our next generation was introduced. 
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The Gillespie Middle School faculty learned of the rich Coal Country history that the museum offers.  Our unique story and place the growth of the nation may soon be add to the curriculum.  Touching upon the people an coal industry  topics in the science, through social studies and, of course, history classes, Coal Country will be remembered.          
The Macoupin County CEO class of 2019 toured the museum and lecture hall. 
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The 'Suitcase Charlie'  update generated enough interest and comments to be able to develop an interesting display.
Let's try again!
The museum has acquired the Doctor's  Bag and 'pharmacy' used by doctor E. R. Hobson. Please send stories and comments .  Also, where may we find/obtain pill vials?  
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The Coal Museum, Coal Country , and I have lost a wonderful friend. The passing of Chuck Voyles will leave  sadness and a void that will not be filled, but his legacy, his memorabilia and stories are displayed throughout the  museum.  Although I will miss you, every museum visitor will know of you.
Dave    
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'Suitcase Charlie' was a traveler of the rails who made frequent visits to Gillespie. Over 50 years ago, just before his passing, Charlie gave his suitcase to Jerry Dolliger, who has passed it on the the museum. Please send us any memories and 'Suitcase Charlie' stories to help in making another very interesting display.
The practice pipes used by Major Fullerton Fulton have been added to our immigration display.
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​Don't like local history or
not a fan of fossil fuels?
Stop by the museum for
a cup of coffee anyway!