Featured Exhibits
The Canton Area Heritage Center provides a place to showcase artifacts and to capture Canton’s compelling history of nearly 200 years for those who follow us. This is done through the featured exhibits that are available for viewing at the Heritage Center Museum. The Museum was made possible in partnership with Graham Hospital Association
P&O Plow Works/International Harvester
This display showcases the IH Clock by which the entire shop kept time. Also, see “Little Toot,” new IH Credit Union keepsakes, and much more of these two companies that were the economic drivers of our region for over a century.
WBYS – “The Voice of Fulton County”
WBYS has been “The Voice of Fulton County” since going on the air October 5, 1947. Listen to actual WBYS recordings of news events in Fulton County history in addition to notable other happenings over the years. Couple that with pictures putting faces with the voices heard for decades and you have the WBYS exhibit at the Heritage Center Museum.
Mining in Fulton County
Coal mining flourished in Fulton County, Illinois. An 1885 Annual Coal Report states there had been 45 mines in operation, producing 280,005 tons of coal, from seams 1, 5, and 6. After the depletion of coal reserves, reclamation efforts brought areas like Lakeland Park and other natural areas back for the enjoyment of fishermen, bird watchers and nature lovers. The museum display contains photos of miners and mining equipment, maps locating the major mining companies, publications and items used in the mines (e.g., hard hats, canary cage).
Camp Ellis
Located on 17,500 acres near Ipava, Table Grove and Bernadotte. This area was selected for Camp Ellis because of its isolation and terrain to house German POW’s during World War II and also as an Army Support Training Center. There are many interesting stories to be told and several books have been written about this camp which operated three years, 1943-1945; then, was downsized quickly after the war. Come in to view Camp Ellis and other military artifacts.
What’s all at the Museum?
The Heritage Center Museum displays a large variety of history on Canton and the surrounding area, that highlights the history of Health Care, the history of Mining in Fulton County, Local Musicians and Famous Performers, Cigar Manufacturing and much more! Make sure to visit the museum to see them in person!