Effingham County Cultural Center and Museum

The Effingham County Museum is an essential thread in the cultural and educational fabric of South Central Illinois. Housed in the magnificent 1872 Effingham County Courthouse are programs and exhibits which tell the rich stories of past generations along with those of new and growing communities. Exhibits encourage visitors to reflect on the challenges, choices, and age that made Effingham County the attractive and successful place it is today.

A 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization which values:

• History because from it we realize the nature of the heart and soul of the area, we citizens derive a sense of rootedness, along with a sense of direction, and if we respect it we provide a solid present and a healthy future for the area.
• Community (referring to the sense of community in the county) identity which grows from those historic structures which provide a "signature" for the county because the county's citizens are able to see that the all-too-common sense of "generica" found along the interstates destroy rootedness.
• The attitude which believes that it is important to take care of historic and architectural treasures rather than dispose of them because from them we preserve and add to the aesthetic environment, as well as present a positive and inspiring story about those who lived in the area in earlier generations.
• A sense of public ownership of historic icons, such as the old courthouse because the building can serve as a unifying force in the county
• Having a place which can house local artistic endeavors because cultural development has an important role to play in attracting both tourists and new businesses to the area
• Partnerships between local governmental entities and not-for-profit organizations because such relationships can serve to further worthwhile public and private cause
• Character lessons learned from the experience of preserving an architectural gem and historic icon because the work required to complete such instills confidence in the ability of government to work effectively with the private sector, demonstrates what some might consider impossible goals can be turned into the possible, and illustrates that when perseverance is united with a well thought-out plan ordinary citizens can shape the economic and social future of an area.

Our mission is to preserve and develop the 1872 courthouse as a rare architectural gem that will financially support itself and operate as a historical, cultural and arts center that instills community pride and visitor attraction.