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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 almost 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 in civic, fine arts, medical, sports, and philanthropic fields.

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.

Cemetery Walk, September 29, 2024: Join us for an instructive and historic presentation, honoring the lives of notable Cantonites. The outdoor theater begins with a seated performance, 3:30 p.m., in front of the Mausoleum, Greenwood Cemetery, in Canton. A walking tour commences at 5 p.m. No admission fees, but donations are appreciated.

Join Us: Download 2024 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 Held November 9, 2023. Download 2023 Annual Report.

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

2025 Canton Bicentennial, June 20-29, 2025

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Canton Bicentennial Information
Canton Bicentennial Information

Canton is on the brink of a momentous milestone – our Bicentennial Celebration! To honor this significant occasion, we have planned a series of events and activities from June 20-29, 2025 that will not only showcase our rich heritage but also bring our community together in a spirit of unity and celebration. To honor Canton’s […]

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Students Pandemic Reflections Project
Students Pandemic Reflections Project

Students Pandemic Reflections Project Periodically, the Canton Area Heritage Center does special projects with other organizations. After the COVID-19 Pandemic, a group of history students at Canton High School volunteered to create online surveys and involve their classmates in describing their Pandemic experiences and reflections. Read the executive summary via the link to the right.

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Plow Replicas and Final Plow Share at IH
Plow Replicas and Final Plow Share at IH

Plow Replicas and Final Plow Share at IH Several one-of-a-kind miniature plows and a plow blade have recently been donated and are on display. A donor’s Uncle hand-crafted two plows to scale. IH plant manager Jack Pollitt who oversaw the closing of IH in 1983 was gifted the final plow share produced in the plant. […]

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Vintage Nesbitt’s Soda Pop Machine Donated!
Vintage Nesbitt’s Soda Pop Machine Donated!

Vintage Nesbitt’s soda pop machine from Miller’s Bottling Works and the Canton Hotel There’s a new display at the Canton Area Heritage Center with ties to two former family-owned Canton businesses.  It’s a bright orange Nesbitt’s soda pop machine that dates back to the early 1940’s.  Nesbitt’s was known nationally throughout the 20th century for […]

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