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Welcome
Welcome
We invite you to explore the Shelby County Historical & Genealogical Society Museum and Historic Jail. Whether you're interested in local history, family research, or simply discovering one of Shelby County's unique landmarks, we'd love to welcome you.
Hours & Admission
Hours & Admission
Museum Hours
Wednesday: 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Thursday: 1:00–3:00 p.m.
Friday: 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Other Times by Appointment
Visits and research appointments may also be arranged outside regular museum hours. Please contact us in advance to make arrangements.
Admission
Free admission. Donations are appreciated.
Location & Directions
Location & Directions
Shelby County Historical and Genealogical Society
151 S. Washington St.
Shelbyville, IL 62565
Museum & Historic Jail
Museum & Historic Jail
Explore exhibits highlighting the people and history of Shelby County, and step inside our historic 1893 jail. The museum is housed in the former Shelby County Sheriff’s residence, with the original jail attached.
Visitors are welcome to tour the jail during regular museum hours.
Parking & Visitor Information
Parking & Visitor Information
Parking
Visitor parking is available in front of the museum and along Washington Street.
Accessibility
Because of the historic nature of the building, the museum and jail are not wheelchair accessible. If you have questions about access before your visit, please contact us.
What You’ll Experience
What You’ll Experience
There’s more to discover than you might expect! Explore Shelby County history through museum exhibits, original artifacts, local history collections, genealogical resources, and changing displays. And no visit is complete without stepping inside our historic 1893 jail.
Museum Exhibits
Museum Exhibits
Discover artifacts, photographs, and stories from Shelby County’s past.
Historic 1893 Jail
Historic 1893 Jail
Step inside the original jail and experience one of the museum’s most memorable spaces.
Genealogical Research Library
Genealogical Research Library
Explore resources for researching Shelby County people, families, places, and history.
Group Tours
Group Tours
We welcome group visits and are happy to arrange tours for schools, scout troops, homeschool groups, civic organizations, clubs, senior groups, and other organizations. Group tours can include the museum, historic 1893 jail, or both, and can be tailored to your group’s interests whenever possible.
Planning a group visit? Please contact us in advance so we can arrange a date and time and have volunteers available to welcome your group.
Research Visitors
Research Visitors
Our research library includes resources for Shelby County family and local history research, including cemetery records, plat maps, family histories, local publications, research folders, and other historical materials.
Volunteers are available to assist researchers during regular museum hours, and research appointments may also be arranged in advance.
Contact Us
Contact Us
Phone: 217-774-2260
Email: shelbycounty@consolidated.net
Mailing Address:
Shelby County Historical and Genealogical Society
P.O. Box 286
Shelbyville, IL 62565
Museum Location: 151 S. Washington St., Shelbyville, IL 62565
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