The Sites incorporated in 1953 and the following year, a delegation
from the board of directors was selected to discuss the idea of
starting a Knox County Museum on the second floor of the courthouse.
The museum opened on Sept. 3, 1961.
Membership Application and Contribution Form (member.txt)
Membership dues and contributions are used to preserve and restore the
historic buildings and museum artifacts under the Sites’ guardianship.
Our Origins
The Knox County Historical Sites, Inc. can trace its origins to a
Knoxville Woman’s Club meeting in 1951 when the group wanted the door
to the Hall of Records painted. From this group evolved a committee of
civic-minded citizens interested in doing something about the old
courthouse next door.Our Purpose
The purpose of the Sites, as stated in the by-laws, is "to promote,
encourage and effect the restoration, preservation and appropriate use
of buildings and appurtenant grounds and the appropriate marking of
sites, all located in Knox County, Illinois, which have been associated
with events of general and of historical importance."Our Members
The Board of Directors consists of 15 unpaid volunteers. Terms are for
three years and five directors are elected at the annual meeting of the
members every October. Membership is open to anyone.
