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The Fayette County Museum

Vandalia, Illinois

General, History, Historic House, Historical Society, Library

1823, the General Assembly deeded the land and provided the funds for the first structure built on this site. The legislative act stated that the land and the funding was to be used to erect a "House of Divine Worship, free for all denominations to worship in...." The little House of Divine Worship was used by many denominations and also as a school and meeting room. As time passed the congregations grew and eventually built their own churches. In 1867, the old House of Divine Worship was moved to a new location and the Presbyterians built the church currently on the site. This building was erected at a cost of $15,000. The Early Gothic Revival styling is a rare, surviving example of ecclesiastical architectural design from the 1860's time period in this area.

General, History, Historic House

Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum and Gardens is currently expanding its vision and is developing a new methodology for interpreting the Victorian Era represented by the buildings and the grounds and illustrated by the Tinker and Dorr families.
In 1943 Tinker Swiss Cottage opened to the public as a Museum. Tours, exhibits, programs and exhibits are offered year round for visitors of all ages.