Business Details
24 Years
experience
Discover Joliet's Rich History at JAHM
The Joliet Area Historical Museum was established in 2002 through a collaborative effort between the City of Joliet, the Joliet Area Historical Society, Joliet Junior College, and local citizens. Our mission is to promote awareness, understanding, and preservation of the Joliet area's diverse history. We operate from the former Ottawa Street Methodist Church, offering immersive exhibits enhanced by state-of-the-art audio-visual presentations and life-size models. Our permanent galleries explore Joliet's industrial roots as the 'City of Stone and Steel,' its connection to Route 66, and its role in space exploration through the Apollo/Houbolt Exhibit. We manage multiple historic sites including the Old Joliet Prison, Joliet Railroad Museum, and Gemini Giant Visitor's Center.Our educational programs and temporary exhibits provide dynamic learning opportunities for visitors of all ages. We are committed to community engagement through partnerships with local organizations and sponsors. In 2024, we were honored as the Illinois Association of Museums' Museum of the Year. Our team of experienced professionals includes curators, registrars, and outreach coordinators dedicated to preserving and sharing our region's heritage. We welcome over 100,000 annual visitors through our accessible programming and diverse exhibits. Our collections include artifacts from Joliet's steel industry, Route 66 memorabilia, and the Gerlach-Barklow art calendar collection. We maintain rigorous archival standards for research and collection donations.
Services
Museum Exhibits
Group Tours
Field Trips
Historic Site Rentals
Educational Programs
Artifact Donations
Research Archives
Gift Shop Retail
Details
- Year established: 2002
Highlights and features
- We were named 2024 Museum of the Year by the Illinois Association of Museums
- We operate five unique historic sites across the Joliet area
- Our exhibits combine cutting-edge technology with authentic historical artifacts
- We offer award-winning educational programs for schools and groups
- Our staff includes specialized curators and archivists with decades of experience
What people say
Amazing exhibits
Great educational value
Knowledgeable guides
Well-preserved history
Family-friendly
Services
Museum Exhibits
Our award-winning exhibits explore Joliet's industrial heritage, Route 66 history, and space exploration legacy. Visitors experience immersive environments featuring authentic artifacts, interactive displays, and life-size models. Special exhibits rotate annually, including the popular Gerlach-Barklow calendar company collection and Joliet Arsenal exhibition.
Group Tours
Customized tours for school groups, senior citizens, and special interest organizations. Our knowledgeable guides provide in-depth insights into Joliet's history across five historic locations. Tours include access to restricted areas and behind-the-scenes collections not available to general visitors.
Educational Programs
Curriculum-aligned programs for K-12 students covering local history, industrial development, and cultural heritage. Includes hands-on activities, artifact analysis, and interactive demonstrations. Programs meet Illinois Learning Standards and include pre-visit educational materials for teachers.
Historic Site Rentals
Unique event spaces available at multiple historic locations including the Old Joliet Prison and Planinsek Grocery Market. Ideal for weddings, corporate events, and special celebrations. Venues feature period-specific decor and modern amenities with professional event coordination services.
Research Archives
Access to extensive archives containing photographs, documents, and artifacts from Joliet's 19th-century industrial era through modern times. Professional archivists assist with genealogical research, academic projects, and historical inquiries using our specialized collections and digital resources.
People
Gregory T. Peerbolte
Chief Executive Officer
Gregory T. Peerbolte leads museum administration and strategic development with over 25 years of experience in historical preservation. He oversees major initiatives including collection management and community partnerships. His leadership has expanded the museum's educational programs and secured significant institutional awards.
Steven Wright
Curator
Steven Wright directs exhibit development and historical research programs. With expertise in local industrial history, he curates rotating exhibits and manages artifact acquisitions. He has led major exhibit projects including the Route 66 Welcome Center and Gerlach-Barklow calendar collection display.
H'Aeneise Coopwood
Membership and Outreach Coordinator
H'Aeneise Coopwood manages group tour programs and community outreach initiatives. She develops educational partnerships with local schools and coordinates volunteer programs. Her efforts have increased school participation by 40% since 2020 through improved program accessibility.
Mike Brick
Programs and Events
Mike Brick organizes special events and public programming at all museum locations. He coordinates annual festivals, lecture series, and cultural celebrations that attract over 50,000 visitors annually. His event planning expertise has enhanced community engagement across diverse demographic groups.
Kelly Klobucher
Chief Operating Officer
Kelly Klobucher oversees daily operations and facility management across all museum sites. She implements safety protocols and coordinates staff training programs. Her leadership has improved visitor services and expanded accessibility features throughout the museum system.
Questions
What are the museum's regular operating hours?
The main museum is open daily from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Other locations have varying schedules available on our website.
Are tickets required for all exhibits?
General admission is free, but special exhibits and group tours require advance ticket purchases through our online booking system.
What historic sites does JAHM operate?
We manage five locations: the main museum, Old Joliet Prison, Joliet Railroad Museum, Planinsek Grocery Market, and Gemini Giant Visitor's Center.
Are group tours available for schools?
We offer customized educational tours for all grade levels with curriculum-aligned programming. Our outreach coordinator assists with booking and preparation materials.
How can I support the museum's mission?
Support options include membership programs, corporate sponsorships, annual giving campaigns, and volunteer opportunities across all museum locations.