Connect With Your History
Upcoming Programs & Events
Journey to Freedom with Dr. Sam Wheeler | The Presumption of Freedom
America 250th Lecture Series | “The Proclamation Line of 1763 and Its Impact on Illinois’ Settlement”
Journey to Freedom with Dr. Patrick Hotle | Dr. Richard Eells and the Underground Railroad
HSQAC Annual Meeting
Join Your Historical Society
Be part of one of the region's oldest historical organizations. Your membership supports the Governor John Wood Mansion, History Museum on the Square, and our programming for history lovers of all ages.
Plus, enjoy free admission to over 200 partner museums nationwide, members-only access, and our award-winning quarterly magazine. Join a community of curious minds dedicated to discovering, sharing, and celebrating Quincy's remarkable past.
Lend Us A Helping Hand
From leading mansion tours to tending historic gardens, our volunteers bring Quincy's past to life.
Whether you have a few hours or want to dive deeper, we'll match your interests with meaningful opportunities. Join fellow history enthusiasts in preserving our irreplaceable collections, maintaining our landmarks, or sharing information about significant historical moments with visitors of all ages — all while making new connections in your community.
Every helping hand shapes what we can accomplish.
Take Home A Piece Of History
Browse local history-inspired merchandise online, from cozy Gem City hoodies to vintage Quincy prints. Visit our History Museum on the Square to explore an even wider selection of books, collectibles, and one-of-a-kind items celebrating Quincy's distinctive charm.
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Quincy License Plate Hat
$25.00 Add to cart -
Ruff Brewery Glasses
$10.00 Add to cart -
Tales of John Wood and his Adams County: Observing the Bicentennial
Price range: $25.00 through $45.00 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
Latest News
Virginia Irwin: Intrepid War Reporter
Virginia Irwin, World War II war correspondent for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, was born in Quincy on June 29, 1908, the daughter of Anna Hermann and Clare Irwin. Irwin’s life in the world of newspaper publishing began in March of 1932 when she went to work for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch as a clerk. Advancing…
An English Woman in Frontier Illinois
Rebecca and John Burlend emigrated to Illinois in 1832 due to financial difficulties. He persuaded Rebecca, who had never been more than ten miles from her home, that they would have more opportunities if they immigrated to the United States. They chose Illinois based on letters they read from friends who had emigrated previously. When…
The Smiles That Hid the Rift
Sam Becker wrote that his father, Nathan, a Jewish immigrant from Poland, loved picnics, “especially the annual synagogue picnic where he could proudly show off his family.” Nathan is in the back row of the picture taken at the 1941 B’nai Sholom Congregational picnic in South Park. The seventy-four attendees in the picture, highlight the…
Adams County Men at the Battle of Shiloh
Sunday, April 6, 1862, had been a day in hell for the Adams County men of the 50th Infantry Illinois Volunteers. They had been Union soldiers for just over seven months. The volunteers came under heavy fire during the first day of the Battle of Shiloh. Casualties were staggering. The men of the 50th, organized…
Inspire Your Students
Bring Quincy's past into your classroom with our educational programs. Schedule field trips to the John Wood Mansion or History Museum on the Square where students experience frontier life and local connections to pivotal American moments. Use our free Civil War video series in your classroom, which includes ready-to-use lesson guides. Work with our team to create a customized experience that complements your specific curriculum.
Teaching history is our passion. See how HSQAC can help support your classroom.
Uncover Your Own Story
From tracking your family's Quincy roots to researching your historic home's past, our archives hold many helpful clues.
The HSQAC research library offers access to rare documents, maps, photographs, and genealogical records spanning two centuries. Whether you're curious about a bygone business, an old neighborhood, or your Adams County ancestors, start your discovery here.
Visit Us in Quincy, IL
John Wood Mansion
Step into the magnificent Greek Revival home of Quincy's founder, where original furnishings and architecture transport you to the early days of Adams County.
History Museum on the Square
Discover rotating exhibits, fascinating artifacts, and interactive displays in our downtown museum, housed in an 1888 building on the Square.
The Lincoln Gallery
Experience Abraham Lincoln's lasting connections to Quincy through rare artifacts, compelling documents, and the stories of his local friendships.
