The Galesburg Historical Society is looking for a few allies, more members and a new home.
Located in the former Galesburg Antiques Mall and now Galesburg Community Arts Center since 2005, the Galesburg Historical Society recently lost its lease at 349 E. Main St. and is searching for a new location.
The Galesburg Historical Society is required to vacate its third floor space at the Galesburg Community Art Center by Feb. 14, 2024, however treasurer Ron Peck said the group would like to be out by Dec. 1.
Asked to comment on the Galesburg Historical Society losing its lease, the Executive Committee of GCAC issued a statement which reads: “Though we cannot discuss specific details, we wish the Galesburg Historical Society future success, and look forward to continuing to work with our many community partners to create a vibrant collaborative arts center for our region.”
Museum prefers a downtown location
Peck said the Galesburg Historical Society has reached out to several agencies — including the Knox County Area Partnership for Economic Development, the Galesburg Area Chamber of Commerce and the City of Galesburg — the help find a new location and assist in digital and social media efforts.
“Ken Springer (president of KCAP) is very energetic and it’s good to have him on our side.” Peck said.
Among the possible locations the Galesburg Historical Society is exploring include the Bondi Building, the Hill Arcade, and the former Ameren and most recently site of Brighter Life Bookshop at 292 E. Simmons St.
“If we can’t find anything that we can afford, we’ve also considered partnering with the Knox County Historical Society in Knoxville, and the new Galesburg Public Library,” Peck said. “And the library was very positive about working with them.”
Debby Sugai, president of the Galesburg Historical Society, said her organization also plans to reach out to Galesburg Mayor Perter Schwartzman to discuss opportunities with the city.
The Galesburg Historical Society is seeking a space of approximately 1,500 square feet to house and display its collection.
Established in 1975, the Galesburg Historical Society has a variety of local artifacts ranging from Galesburg’s extensive time as as manufacturing community, along with many school items, restaurant memorabilia, military items and more.
Sugai and Peck said they would prefer a downtown location.
Galesburg Historical Society seeks more members
Galesburg Historical Society has just 10 members, six of which are active.
“There is a lot of interest in history here,” Sugai said. “For a town this size, I feel like Galesburg has as much history to share as any city in the state of Illinois.
“But most of our current membership is older.”
Peck said, “We would have some new, younger, energetic members.
Galesburg Historical Society previously was open during Galesburg Antique Mall hours, but Sugai and Peck said they realize they could be open fewer hours, depending on the location.
“Most of the smaller museums around here aren’t open all day, every day,” she said. “So that’s not really a problem.”
Sugai said the Galesburg Historical Society is seeking new members, or anyone eager to assist the group move forward.
“We are looking for allies. And by that I mean people who understand the position we are in,” she said.
For more information, the Galesburg Historical Society can be reached at (910) 728-3512, or galesburghistoricalsociety@yahoo.com.
