Centralia Area Historical Museum

About Centralia Area Historical Museum

The Centralia Area Historical Museum preserves and shares the story of Centralia and the surrounding region through objects, photographs, documents, and oral histories. Visitors explore three floors of exhibits filled with artifacts and photographs that trace the area's establishment and growth. Outside, a historic train caboose stands as a favorite stop for guests and a reminder of the railroad roots that built the community. The museum hosts Speaker Series talks, special programs, and community gatherings throughout the year that bring Centralia's history to life with local stories and guest presenters. The brick building on South Locust Street, constructed around 1917 as a wholesale grocery center, provides the setting for seasonal happenings and museum celebrations. A visit suits anyone interested in regional history and the stories that shaped this Illinois community.