Joliet Area Historical Museum

Joliet Area Historical Museum Located at America's historic crossroads, Route 66 and Lincoln Highway.
(666)

Located at the historic intersection of Route 66 and Lincoln Highway, the Joliet Area Historical Museum occupies the space formerly known as the Ottawa Street Methodist Church at the intersection of Cass and Ottawa Streets in downtown Joliet. Since its opening in the fall of 2002, the museum's main exhibition gallery serves as an introduction to the many stories of the Joliet area and its people.

Exhibits are enhanced by state-of-the-art audio-visual presentations, life-size models, award-winning touch screen visuals, and even a step-in Lunar Lander Simulator for your interaction as you explore how the past shaped the world you now enjoy. Temporary exhibits and targeted educational programming provide additional interpretive opportunities. The Joliet Area Historical Museum has come into existence from efforts of the City of Joliet, the Joliet Area Historical Society, Joliet Junior College and Joliet citizens. The city purchased the church, and the Joliet Area Historical Museum was incorporated into a 501(c) non-profit organization in 1999.

JAHM is grateful to U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth for taking the time to learn more about Joliet's efforts to help Illino...
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

Hit the road with WJOL morning host Scott Slocum at the Joliet Area Historical Museum! 🚗🛣️Join us on Thursday, June 4th,...
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

Stay safe and have a great Memorial Day! We will see you at the museum again tomorrow, May 26th, at 10AM. ☀️
05/25/2026

Stay safe and have a great Memorial Day!

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

Attention Members!Mark your calendars for the Museum's Annual Membership Meeting on Thursday, July 30th. JAHM is proud t...
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!

05/07/2026

The South Side Exiles open the Joliet Museum's Outdoor ROOFTOP Concert season on Friday, May 15th at 7pm!

The South Side Exiles play original & cover songs written and performed in the classic American 70's style rock tradition, inspired by Chuck Berry, The Stones, Lou Reed, The Faces, Muddy Waters, & more! Museum located at 204 N. Ottawa St. in downtown Joliet. Info/Register at www.jolietmuseum.org or call (815) 723-5201. Walkups welcome.

Saturday, May 2nd the Big House Ballgame Weekend continues at the Old Joliet Prison! 9am to 7pm - just $15 at the gate f...
05/02/2026

Saturday, May 2nd the Big House Ballgame Weekend continues at the Old Joliet Prison!

9am to 7pm - just $15 at the gate for baseball, live music, food & drink, Slammers & OJP merch tent, self-guided prison tours and more! Click on pics to see more info

04/24/2026
04/24/2026
Two great bands will be featured at the Joliet Area Historical Museum's Indoor Theater on Friday, April 17th at 7pm!Al S...
04/10/2026

Two great bands will be featured at the Joliet Area Historical Museum's Indoor Theater on Friday, April 17th at 7pm!

Al Spears & The Hurricane Project and Downtown Charlie Brown will be putting on a fantastic display of Chicago and Delta blues along with some great R&B! These greats are keeping the Blues alive and well!

Doors open 6:15 pm, show starts at 7:00 pm. Beverage Bar, Snack Vendor, free access to all museum galleries & exhibits. Only $14 for Museum Members or $16 for General Public. General seating for all, with limited number of reserved highboy tables available.

Museum located at 204 N. Ottawa St. in downtown Joliet. Register/Info go to www.jolietmuseum.org or call (815) 723-5201. Walk-ups welcome while tickets last.

Address

204 N Ottawa Street
Joliet, IL
60432

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 4pm
Thursday 10am - 4pm
Friday 10am - 4pm
Saturday 10am - 4pm
Sunday 10am - 4pm

Telephone

(815) 723-5201

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