72 votes

Joliet Area Historical Museum

204 N Ottawa St, Joliet, Illinois 60432 USA

11
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$$$$

Budget

Closed Now

Opens Sat 10a

Independent
Public
Restrooms

“at the intersection of Route 66 and Lincoln Highway”

Located at the historic intersection of Route 66 and Lincoln Highway, the Joliet Area Historical Museum occupies the space formerly known as the Ottawa Street Methodist Church at the intersection of Cass and Ottawa Streets in downtown Joliet. Since its opening in the fall of 2002, the museum's main exhibition gallery serves as an introduction to the many stories of the Joliet area and its people. Exhibits are enhanced by state-of-the-art audio-visual presentations, life-size models, award-winning touch screen visuals, and even a step-in Lunar Lander Simulator for your interaction as you explore how the past shaped the world you now enjoy. Temporary exhibits and targeted educational programming provide additional interpretive opportunities. The Joliet Area Historical Museum has come into existence from efforts of the City of Joliet, the Joliet Area Historical Society, Joliet Junior College and Joliet citizens. The city purchased the church, and the Joliet Area Historical Museum was incorporated into a 501(c) non-profit organization in 1999.

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Reviewed by
jodilynsimmonsmachota

1 Review
1 Helpful

June 20, 2021

In 2021, the museum has added a Route 66 Selfie Station located outside the museum.
There is also a beautiful mosaic sculpture dedicated to Route 66 located outside the museum.
Take a minute to check out the Joliet, Route 66 kiosk across the street from the museum for more information.

1 person found this review helpful

Reviewed by
Daija_primer

3 Reviews
1 Helpful

May 14, 2019

Since the opening in 2002 the museum has served as an introduction for joliet. The museum came to be because of the city they purchased a church than it was incorporated into that. The exhibits are enhanced by life sized models and award winning touch screen visuals.

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