County Historical Museum & Archival Library

Archival Library Hours Visit the Library Wednesday–Friday: 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Sunday: 1 p.m.–4 p.m. Telephone/Email Research Services Monday–Friday: 9 a.m.–4 p.m. (618) 656-7569 / Email County Historical Museum Closed for Renovation

		Archival Image Spotlight The Spread Eagle, a side-wheeler steamboat, cruises down the Mississippi River. You can see the old Burlington Northern railroad swing bridge at Alton in the background. The steamboat and bridge were both built in 1892 (the bridge was completed in 1894). This photograph was taken about 1900. Transportation will be a prominent theme in the new exhibits when the museum reopens.
		Superintendent Jon Parkin explains the origin of the idiom "Lock, Stock and Barrel."
		One Hundred Years of Cooking—Our latest online exhibit showcases selected cooking-related museum and archival artifacts, focusing on the period circa 1830-1950. Click here for more online exhibits.