Elijah Iles House Foundation, Springfield

About Elijah Iles House Foundation

The Elijah Iles House Foundation operates a museum in Springfield centered on a Greek revival cottage built around 1837 by Elijah Iles, one of the city's four founders. The timber-framed structure, little changed since Iles moved in, survives as Springfield's oldest such building. Visitors tour the three-level house, which includes a ground-level basement, main floor, and finished attic that served as sleeping quarters. The Foundation hosts the "Growing Up in Springfield" series, featuring porch chat programs where community members share local history. These conversations have been transcribed and compiled into a printed volume available for purchase. The Foundation also manages historical programming for groups using the house. A visit suits anyone interested in Springfield's early architecture and local history. The house is located in Springfield at the corner of South 7th Street and Cook Street, with free parking available nearby.