08/27/2025
This article is compliments of Jon Steben.
Amanda Carter from the LaSalle County Historical Society (LCHS) shared with us the facilities, resources, and opportunities of the organization. She was introduced by Rotarian Bob Tieman.
Carter, an Oglesby resident, has been a part of the LCHS for the past 11 years, which she said exists to “procure and preserve” local history. She highlighted artifacts and records that document the history of Abraham Lincoln, the Radium Girls, and the I & M canal, which greatly contributes to the history of Illinois. “Chicago would not be the city it is without the I & M Canal”, she claimed during the presentation.
She detailed the current works of the LCHS and all that it does within our community. They have artifacts and exhibits located throughout LaSalle County and hosted 850 students in the last year. The organization is also actively hosting events within our community, including the LCHS Canal Market, which is hosted in Utica every weekend from May through September. She also highlighted the Burgoo Festival, which will be held for the 55th year in 2025. This event brought about 100,000 visitors in both 2023 and 2024 and the proceeds make up about 50% of the operating budget for the LCHS. The other half comes from donations and memberships, the latter offering patrons 10% off in the LCHS gift shop, free access to archives and programs, and a quarterly newsletter.
The future of the group is bright with ongoing efforts to expand and fortify the history documented by the LCHS. Since 2020, over 17,000 records have been digitized and preserved online. New programs include History Hunters hosted every Thursday and a Civil War exhibit on the second floor of the LCHS running through October 5th. Finally, the group is in the process of acquiring a local township building and its records. While requiring the building to be moved, this acquisition would give valuable insight into the inner workings of local government. A capital campaign for the project will be forthcoming, so be on the lookout for that and more from the LaSalle County Historical Society!
