Joliet Area Historical Museum

06/24/2026

TOMORROW is your chance to tackle the "Texan!"

Think you have what it takes to finish 72 ounces of prime Texas steak? Meet us outside the Old Joliet Prison where we will select TWO lucky winners to partake in the World-Famous Big Texan Steakhouse Challenge - Route 66 Centennial Caravan Edition!

These competitive eaters will face off against Joliet District Four's City Councilman Cesar Cardenas and JAHM's own Board Chairman Quinn Adamowski.

JAHM is also proud to feature our area's very own Route 66 culinary icon - Merichka's Restaurant - who will supply their famous double baked potatoes, breaded shrimp, side salad with legendary house dressing, and fresh baked bread - yes, you'll also have to eat all of those to win (...the "poor boy" is always optional!)

Self-guided tours of the Prison are available until 4 PM, and winners will be drawn at approximately 5:15 PM with the challenge beginning promptly at 5:30 PM.

The best part? The contest is FREE to enter! If selected, you even have an option to select one friend or family member to help you finish!

Outside of Amarillo, you won't have another shot at this. Thank you to our friends at the State of Illinois Route 66 Centennial and Scenic Byways Commissions for bringing a Route 66 Texas tradition to Joliet!

06/11/2026

Please note that due to the inclement weather, the Flatbed Fords Rooftop Concert originally scheduled for tonight, June 11th is being rescheduled to Thursday, Sept. 3rd.

All previous ticket purchases will be honored for the new concert date.

Thank you & stay safe!

06/11/2026

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ATTENTION RACE FANS!

Take a late lunch break and say hello to Daniel Suarez TOMORROW at JAHM.

Then, make your plans to see Daniel back in action at Chicagoland Speedway this Fourth of July weekend!

06/05/2026

Join us for a magical storytelling experience as we journey into the Slovenian mountains to learn about the legend of the Goldenhorn—a mythical creature said to create healing flowers with extraordinary powers. While listening to this enchanting tale, you'll create your own beautiful bouquet to take home. A perfect blend of folklore and creativity for children ages 8-15! 🌸🌼🌷

The program will take place at the Martin & Emma Planinsek Grocery & Meat Market Museum located at 1314 Elizabeth St. in Joliet. Admission is $15 and can be purchased at the link below!

🔗https://fareharbor.com/embeds/book/jolietmuseum/items/721313/availability/2060070729/book/?full-items=yes

06/04/2026

Reminder... ‼️‼️‼️

Scott Slocum will be at the Joliet Area Historical Museum tomorrow, June 4th, from 5:30-7:30PM talking about his new book, "The Great American Road Trip: Route 66 Adventures." He will kick off right after 5:30pm and share information about his book followed by individual book signing.

This event is FREE and open to the public. We will have books on site for purchase as well as pre-order pick up! We encourage everyone to stop by this Thursday night before events kick-off downtown Joliet!

We will see you tomorrow! 🚗✨

Hit the road with WJOL morning host Scott Slocum at the Joliet Area Historical Museum! 🚗🛣️

Join us on Thursday, June 4th, from 5:30-7:30PM for an evening celebrating America’s “Mother Road” as Scott discusses The Great American Road Trip: Route 66 Adventures, co-written with Lisa Bakewell. Inspired by his live broadcasts along historic Route 66, the book captures the people, places, roadside attractions, and unforgettable stories that make the route an American icon.

Following the presentation, guests will have the opportunity to meet Scott and have their books signed.

📚 Books will be available for purchase in the gift shop
📍 Pre-order pickup available

05/30/2026

JAHM is grateful to U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth for taking the time to learn more about Joliet's efforts to help Illinois lead the way on nationwide Route 66 Centennial celebrations and economic development initiatives.

JAHM CEO Greg Peerbolte led Senator Duckworth through the Museum's newest exhibit, "In The Center of Everything: 100 Years of Shops, Stops & Stays Along Route 66 in Joliet, 1926-2026."

The Senator also enjoyed an afternoon snack courtesy of Joliet's own Popus Gourmet Popcorn!

05/28/2026

Hoodwink'd plays live on the Joliet Museum's Outdoor ROOFTOP this Friday, May 29th at 7pm (doors open 6:15pm).

Hoodwink’d dishes out a fun, feel-good mix of classic pop and rock from the '70s and '80s. Songs you know and love but aren’t hearing played by most bands. The Doobie Brothers, Eagles, David Bowie, Steely Dan, Steve Miller Band, Peter Frampton & more!

Info/Register at www.jolietmuseum.org or call (815) 723-5201. Walkups welcome while available.

https://www.facebook.com/reel/4225168331032128

05/27/2026

Hit the road with WJOL morning host Scott Slocum at the Joliet Area Historical Museum! 🚗🛣️

Join us on Thursday, June 4th, from 5:30-7:30PM for an evening celebrating America’s “Mother Road” as Scott discusses The Great American Road Trip: Route 66 Adventures, co-written with Lisa Bakewell. Inspired by his live broadcasts along historic Route 66, the book captures the people, places, roadside attractions, and unforgettable stories that make the route an American icon.

Following the presentation, guests will have the opportunity to meet Scott and have their books signed.

📚 Books will be available for purchase in the gift shop
📍 Pre-order pickup available

05/25/2026

Stay safe and have a great Memorial Day!

We will see you at the museum again tomorrow, May 26th, at 10AM. ☀️

05/23/2026

Attention Members!

Mark your calendars for the Museum's Annual Membership Meeting on Thursday, July 30th.

JAHM is proud to announce that for the first time, the Joliet Hall of Pride induction ceremony will be incorporated into the event.

More details to come, but you won't want to miss this incredible celebration of Joliet's past, present and future!