Rock Island County
Historical Society

About the Rock Island County Historical Society

The Rock Island County Historical Society (RICHS) was founded in 1905 to preserve and share the stories of our local past. Inspired by the Illinois Historical Society, local leaders such as William A. Meese and G.E. Holt worked to create a place where the history of Rock Island County could be collected and celebrated.

In the early years, the Society faced challenges with small membership and limited focus. A reorganization in 1912 expanded its mission, welcoming women and broadening its work to include history from across the county. John H. Hauberg became a driving force, gathering pioneer interviews and starting events like the Spring and Fall Dinners—traditions that continue today.

Through the 20th century, RICHS grew steadily with community support. A major milestone came in 1962 when Mrs. Charles Deere Wiman donated a permanent home for the Society, which now serves as both a museum and research library. In 1992, a new library building was added to house the growing collection.

Today, RICHS preserves over 400 archival collections, 10,000 photographs, 6,000 books, 40,000 vertical files, nine local newspapers, and more than 600 reels of microfilm. These resources support historians, researchers, and community members who want to connect with the stories of Rock Island County.