The local membership does research of families (at a nominal fee) for those who visit the museum and many who correspond. Most of the local histories have been indexed, as have the scrapbooks compiled from local newspapers containing obits, weddings, and anniversaries. The museum also has many family files and card files with cross-indexing. Microfiche of Illinois marriages including Hancock county 1829-1890 are also available to those doing research, and copies of numerous township burial records.
Has some Lincoln artifacts. Displays about Oatmans, Duryea.
To consereve local history. We have a genealogy section.
The LaHarpe Historical & Genealogical Society was organized in 1986, and several charter members are still active members. It is entirely self-supporting, and since its inception it has had a number of money-making activities, the first a Tour of Homes in Nov., 1986, and a Craft and Quilt Show in 1987.
In an effort to promote LaHarpe, a brochure with pictures of LaHarpe's historic buildings and homes was created and printed, and these were distributed over a wide area. These sparked an interest in history in the 5th grade class of the local school, and for a few years in May they had a 2-week period of time devoted to LaHarpe's history and genealogy, including a walking tour past the buildings on the brochure.
Members felt it crucial that LaHarpe's history be preserved, and undertook the project to have the local newspapers put on microfilm, dating back to 1875. This film was presented to the library, and the Historical Society donated money to help purchase a reader-printer, and they also purchased census films.
Since many buildings on Main street are on the National Register of Historic Places, the Historical Society contacted state officials and the result was the placing of signs on the highway denoting LaHarpe's Historic District and others pointing to two Lincoln markers. Members have worked diligently to preserve historic buildings that were in danger of being abandoned, and worked to repair and paint an empty store front on Main street that was unsightly.
Some Lincoln artifacts.
There is a Lincoln rail in the park giving history of the President speaking in La Harpe and a reference to his ancestors in Fountain Green
Educational tours are available.
In 1990 society members began work on a hand-made miniature of the City Hall, to have for sale. It was so successful that each year a new one is crafted.
Gift Shop
Online Gift Shop
Group Tours