Mason City, Illinois Area
and Family Historical Society

145 S Main Street
Mason City Illinois 62664
email:  mchs_1857@yahoo.com

.. in the fall of the year when the blue stem prairie grass was full grown, men on horseback would have to stand in their saddles to see over the grass, nearest doctor was in Petersburg, grain was taken through swamp by wagon to Havana and supplies brought back ... then ... in 1857 a prairie town was formed:      Mason City, Illinois

THE MASON CITY HISTORICAL SOCIETY began with an open consortium held in a private home on January 28, 1998 having ten interested people in attendance. A determination was made to meet monthly and begin a not-for-profit organization working primarily with Mason City history preservation.  In April of 1998, the ten members teamed up with Ed Russo, director of Sangamon Valley Collection at the Lincoln Library in Springfield and gained valuable guidance in forming a historical society.  The Mason City Historical Society (MCHS) Mission Statement was established.

THE PURPOSE OF THE MASON CITY HISTORICAL SOCIETY is to bring together those people interested in history, especially in the history of out community. Understanding the history of our community is basic to our democratic way of life, gives us a better understanding of our state and nation, and helps us better to appreciate our American heritage.
The society will cooperate with the state historical society (state historical commission, or state department of archives and history) to collect and preserve materials of state-wide significance so that these materials can be made available to students and scholars.

Locally announced historic celebrations provide community interaction among all local organizations and visitors to celebrate the town's history.  Food booths, crafts, and entertainment relating to the historic period are coordinated for a day or weekend of enjoyment by the general public.  Members and museum guild are treated to field trips and appreciation days.  Members and museum guild learn lost arts of weaving, needlework, floor cloths, pottery, gardens, and more.  Family lore/history is available at on site museum reference department with assistance from the staff