City of Joliet, IL
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Indulge yourself in the rich history and heritage of Joliet, with a visit to the state of the art Joliet Area Historical Museum, full of interactive exhibits, personal courses, and games for the kids that will surely fill the day with excitement and education.
Visitors can also enjoy learning about the city’s rich Slovenian Heritage with the museum devoted to it, or stroll the history walk of Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park, reading each boulder marker that tells a tale of historic businesses and houses on Joliet’s first street.
| Cathedral Area Preservation Association (CAPA) PO Box 3662, Joliet 815/726-4163 CAPA strives to develop a prosperous community through historic preservation, education and the promotion of respect for old homes. |
| Historic Route 66 22550 West Highway 113, Wilmington 815/458-6616 Specializing in historic Route 66 speaking programs and tours, historians John and Lenore Weiss are dedicated to the preservation and promotion of Route 66 in Illinois. |
| Jacob Henry Mansion 20 S. Eastern Avenue, Joliet 815/722-2465 An elegant historic landmark offering the perfect location to experience Victorian charm as well as its delicious meals and entertainment. Wedding receptions, groups and tours are welcome! |
| Joliet Area Historical Museum 204 N. Ottawa Street, Joliet 815/723-5201 Interactive museum celebrates themes and experiences of people who settled in the Joliet area, including the Route 66 Experience, War Heroes Gallery, permanent gallery, temporary gallery, children’s discovery room, and gift shop. See the new, 2-story exhibit that celebrates space exploration and the Apollo missions—The Soaring Achievements of John C. Houbolt! |
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Joliet Historic Preservation Commission 150 W. Jefferson Street, Joliet |
| Joliet Public Library Main: 150 N. Ottawa Street, Joliet Black Rd: 3395 Black Road, Joliet 815/740-2660 Beginning in 1876 and relocated in 1903 to the Daniel H Burnham-designed building on Ottawa St. In the past the building, constructed of Joliet limestone, housed the Library as well as the City’s Municipal Offices and School board. The bronze statue in front is of explorer Louis Jolliet. The Black Road Branch opened in 2002 and broadened the range of the library to the west side of the city. |
| Old Joliet Prison Park 1125 Collins Street, Joliet 1-877-4-JOLIET Discover the history of Joliet’s most infamous prison. Old Joliet Prison Park is open to the public dawn to dusk daily and located just outside the Collins Street Prison facility. Featuring eight informational kiosks on the prison’s inmates, history and television/movie fame, the park is the perfect stop on your trip to Joliet! |
| P. Seth Magosky Museum of Victorian Life & Joliet History 206 N. Broadway Street, Joliet 815/723-3052 A Joliet architectural resource center as well as museum of Victorian lifestyle, held within the historic Hiram B. Scutt Mansion of Joliet. A civil war home and Joliet’s last limestone building. |
| Rialto Square Theatre 102 N. Chicago Street, Joliet 815/726-7171 The historic theatre originally opened in May of 1926 and is a stunning reflection of Greek, Roman, and Byzantine architecture. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Rialto has been called one of the ten most beautiful theatres in the nation. Public and private tours are available as well as shows and banquets. |
| Slovenian Woman's Heritage Museum 431 N. Chicago Street, Joliet 815/727-1926 swuhome@msn.com Open M-F: 10:00 am- 2:00 pm Established to preserve the ethnic Slovenian heritage and honor the immigrants who settled in the area. Includes a gift shop with Slovenian items and music. |