Breaking Ground: A New Chapter for the History Museum on the Square

As a proud partner in this important project, Arts Quincy is thrilled to announce the Groundbreaking Ceremony for the next phase of the History Museum on the Square tomorrow, Tuesday, Dec. 17, at 10 AM! 🏛️
Since 2015, the Museum has been a cultural hub, showcasing the rich history of Quincy, Adams County, and the nation through rotating exhibits, guest lectures, and educational events. Now, with a $1.5M grant from the State of Illinois, the Museum is expanding to become even more accessible and welcoming to all.
Here’s a look at the phases of the project:
Phase 1: A ground-level entrance, elevator, accessible restrooms on the second floor, and increased gathering space. This phase also includes new egress stairs, a roof replacement over the Ernest Wood addition, critical exterior repairs to address moisture issues, and general ADA upgrades.
Phase 2: Moving the Lincoln Gallery (currently in the John Wood Mansion Visitor's Center) to the Museum, and renovating the remaining 980 square feet of the Ernest Wood addition.
Phase 3: Additional renovations and expanded support areas, including a gift shop, exhibit space on the West side of the building, more ground-level visitor restrooms, and renovation of the existing exhibit space.
Fun Facts about the Museum:

1. The building served as the Quincy Free Public Library and Reading Room from 1888-1974 and later as the Gardner Museum from 1977-2012.
2. In 2012, HSQAC acquired the building and opened it as the Museum on the Square in 2015.
3. The last addition to the building was made in 1929 by local architect Ernest Wood.

This expansion will ensure everyone can safely enjoy everything the Museum has to offer, with updates like a ground floor entrance, elevator, and more accessible spaces for lectures and exhibits.
We are excited to see this project come to life and can’t wait for the positive impact it will have on our community. Join us tomorrow at 10 AM at the History Museum on the Square, 332 Maine St., Quincy, IL, as we celebrate this milestone and look ahead to a bright future for the Museum!

To donate to further the project visit: https://square.link/u/9iq9slCp. 

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