Vermilion County Museum, Danville

About Vermilion County Museum

The Vermilion County Museum and Fithian Home occupy a campus in Danville dedicated to local and regional history. Visitors tour the Museum Center, a replica of the 1831 courthouse where Abraham Lincoln practiced law, which contains galleries covering natural history, early Native American artifacts, education, coal mining, and Lincoln's connections to the area. The adjacent Fithian Historic Home, completed in 1855, belonged to Dr. William Fithian, a pioneer doctor and friend of Lincoln who served with him in the Illinois legislature. The home preserves the south balcony from which Lincoln delivered a campaign speech in 1858, along with the window he used and the bedroom where he slept during visits. The museum grounds also feature a Looking for Lincoln wayside exhibit, and associated off-site locations include the Lamon House, Mann's Chapel, and Pioneer Cemetery. The Museum Center is handicapped accessible and hosts special exhibits, events, and programs. Hours and admission prices are published online.