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  • Canton's Compelling
    History

Heritage Center

The Canton Area Heritage Center provides a place to showcase artifacts and to capture Canton’s compelling history of 200 years. The Heritage Center and Museum focuses on the industries that have been established in Canton over time. We also honor notable people who’ve made a difference.

Since its founding in 1825, Canton has capitalized on hard work, the talents and entrepreneurial spirit of its residents to bring prosperity and pride to the community. Even in the face of devastating natural disasters and downturns in the economy, Canton has shown its resilience and come back from the fires like a Phoenix to rise again!

Location and Hours: Museum is located at 111 South Main Street, Canton, Illinois 61520. We’re open on the weekends — Fridays, 10-12 noon; Saturdays, 10 am-2 pm; and, Sundays, 1-3 pm. For appointments or group tours, call (309) 647-2242 and leave a message with name and phone number.

Join Us: Download 2025 Membership Form to become a member and support our efforts. Complete and mail to us along with your check. You’ll receive four newsletters and news of special events at the museum.

Annual Meeting was Held December 12, 2024, 1:00 p.m. at the museum. Download 2024 Annual Report.

2025 Canton Bicentennial, June 20-29

Our community, like the phoenix, rose from the fires to prosper once more.

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Canton Bicentennial Time Capsule Information
Canton Bicentennial Time Capsule Information

Welcome to the Canton IL Bicentennial Celebration information page. To honor this significant occasion, the Bicentennial Planning Committee created a series of events and activities from June 20-29, 2025, that not only showcased our rich heritage but also brought our community together in a spirit of unity and celebration. The Bicentennial Committee is now working […]

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New Acquisitions: Baker Cradle
New Acquisitions: Baker Cradle

Baker Hand-built Cradle The cradle was built by John H. Baker (9/23/1846 – 9/3/1915) and his son David S. Baker (12/9/1869 – 12/30/1945), in Astoria. Four generations of the family have rocked their children in the cradle. David S. Baker: Orville W., Summum, IL, Galen of Vermont, IL, Clair C. and Marling, both of Dixon, […]

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