Join & Support
Help preserve the rich history of Rock Island County by becoming a member, making a donation, or volunteering your time. Whether you're passionate about local heritage or simply want to give back, there’s a way for everyone to get involved, including Memberships, Donations, and Volunteer opportunities.
- Become a Member - (Paypal)
- Make a Donation
- Monetary
- Historical
- Browse the Bookstore
- Become a Volunteer
Membership
Joining RICHS helps ensure the legacy of Rock Island County’s history. Membership runs from January 1 to December 31 and includes:
Quarterly newsletters featuring local history and Society updates
Invitations to special events and dinner programs
Reduced ticket prices and research fees
Free in-house research assistance
The satisfaction of supporting historical preservation
Memberships are tax-deductible and can be paid by mail or online via PayPal.
President's Circle
Patron
Contributing
Familiy/Buisiness
Student
- $500.00 & up
- $100.00 - $499.00
- $50.00 - $99.00
- $35.00
- $10.00
Monetary Donations
RICHS relies on donations, memberships, and bequests to operate. We receive no government funding, and most of our team are volunteers. Your gift helps maintain our facilities, expand our collections, and support public programming.
Donations are tax-deductible and can be made securely via PayPal or by mail.
Note: For bequests, please consult your attorney.
Historical Donations
RICHS collects artifacts, documents, clothing, and other items of historical significance related to Rock Island County. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, all donations are tax-deductible.
If you have items to donate, please contact us at (309) 764-8590 to discuss their historical relevance.
Note: RICHS does not provide appraisals or authentication services.
Bookstore
The Rock Island County Historical Society Bookstore offers a wide selection of titles that celebrate and preserve our local history. Every purchase directly supports our mission—100% of proceeds go toward maintaining our collections and facilities, as we receive no government funding.
How to Purchase
Books may be purchased in person at the Society using cash or check, or online via PayPal’s secure server. Orders placed online are typically shipped within 2–5 business days after payment is received.
Browse our bookstore
Use the dropdown menu under the Bookstore tab to explore available books by subject. Each listing includes the title, price, and a brief description.
Volunteer at RICHS
Volunteering at the Rock Island County Historical Society (RICHS) is a meaningful way to explore local history while helping preserve it for future generations. It’s also a great opportunity to connect with others who share a passion for our community’s heritage.
Whether you're meeting new people, sharing knowledge, or making a real contribution, volunteering at RICHS offers a variety of personal rewards. We welcome volunteers in both public-facing roles and behind-the-scenes support, including help with special events.
If you’d like to get involved, please call (309) 764-8590 or email us at richs@richs.cc.
Some Examples of Volunteer Positions
Public Roles
- Front Desk Assistance – Answer phones, greet visitors, and handle transactions such as membership dues and lunch payments.
- Research Assistance – Help library visitors locate historical information and resources.
- House Museum Tour Guides – Lead tours of the Atkinson-Peek House, Library & Archive, and Carriage House & Clothes Loft.
- Grounds Maintenance – Care for the patio garden and landscaping around the Society’s entrances.
Volunteer positions are open to all individuals, without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, or disability.
Become a Volunteer