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Discover the stories, people, places, and families that shaped Shelby County, Illinois.
Discover the stories, people, places, and families that shaped Shelby County, Illinois.
Our Mission
Our Mission
The Shelby County Historical and Genealogical Society brings together people interested in the history of Shelby County, Illinois. We collect, preserve, and share materials that document the history and people of Shelby County, provide public access to historical and genealogical resources, and encourage the preservation and interpretation of our county's historic records, buildings, sites, monuments, and markers.
Visit Us
Visit Us
Shelby County Historical and Genealogical Society
151 S. Washington St.
Shelbyville, IL 62565
Museum Hours
Wednesday 10 AM–12 PM
Thursday 1 - 3 PM
Friday 10 AM - 12 PM
Explore Shelby County History
Explore Shelby County History
Visit the Museum
Visit the Museum
Step inside the museum and explore exhibits, artifacts, photographs, and the stories that bring Shelby County’s past to life.
Historic 1893 Jail
Historic 1893 Jail
Step behind the bars of Shelby County’s 1893 jail and discover stories of prisoners, sheriffs, escapes, and local history.
Genealogy & Research
Genealogy & Research
Search records, explore family history resources, and let us help you uncover your Shelby County roots.
Publications
Publications
Explore our quarterlies, books, and other publications about Shelby County history and genealogy.
Follow Us
Follow Us
Stay connected for historic photographs, new discoveries, museum updates, videos, events, and stories from Shelby County’s past.
About Us
About Us
Learn about our history, mission, leadership, and the volunteers working together to preserve Shelby County’s story.
Nonprofit Status
Nonprofit Status
Shelby County Historical and Genealogical Society is a nonprofit organization recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3).
Federal EIN: 23-7060068
Our History
Our History
The Shelby County Historical Society was organized in 1962, with its first meeting held September 17 at Forest Park in Shelbyville. Seventeen charter members attended, and the Society adopted its first constitution later that year.
In 1970, the Historical Society and Genealogical Society joined to form the Shelby County Historical and Genealogical Society. After operating from several locations over the years, the Society purchased the former Shelby County jail property in 1987. Following extensive remodeling and volunteer work, the museum and research center reopened to the public at its South Washington Street location in 1989.
What We Do
What We Do
The Shelby County Historical and Genealogical Society preserves and shares the history of Shelby County through our museum, research collections, publications, educational programs, and community outreach. We collect and care for photographs, documents, family histories, artifacts, and other materials that help tell the stories of Shelby County and its people.
We assist visitors and researchers with genealogical and historical research, maintain and improve indexes to our collections, and work to make local history more accessible through digitization and online resources. The Society also publishes Shelby County Ancestors, our quarterly historical and genealogical publication.
We preserve and interpret our historic home—the former Shelby County sheriff’s residence and 1893 jail—and provide opportunities for the public to visit, learn, and explore Shelby County history.
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