Williamson County Historical Society Museum & Library, Marion

About Williamson County Historical Society Museum & Library

The Williamson County Historical Society Museum & Library occupies a large brick building constructed in 1913 that formerly served as the county jail, complete with steel doors and thirteen-inch poured concrete walls that once separated prisoners from family areas. Visitors tour the preserved structure and conduct genealogical research in the on-site library, exploring exhibits related to the county's history, traditions, and people. The building underwent restoration by society members, who removed interior walls to create space for meetings, repaired fixtures, and restored lighting to transform the former jail into a functional museum. Individual tours and research sessions occur during posted hours of operation, with appointments available for groups or those unable to visit during standard times. The society's mission centers on collecting and preserving both printed and non-printed materials documenting Williamson County's past, encouraging historical and genealogical study, and making these resources accessible to researchers. The museum is located in Marion, Illinois.