Big Rock Historical Society

Big Rock Historical Society is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the local heritage of Big Rock, Illinois. The society operates a museum that houses artifacts, vintage photographs, and documents detailing the community’s history, from its early pioneers and Native American roots to its local agricultural traditions.

Key Features & Collections

• The Museum & Crib: The main museum is housed in a quaint building, often called the “Crib Museum” because it uses a beautifully restored corn crib.
• Red School Project: The “Red School” faithfully recreates one of the original one-room schoolhouses that served the Big Rock community. The building serves as part of the museum, displaying local Big Rock School historical artifacts.  It also provides future generations with an educational exhibit that helps them remember our country’s one-room schoolhouse era.  After a 2023 fire nearly destroyed the original structure on Scott Road, volunteers salvaged materials and rebuilt a faithful restoration adjacent to the museum.
• Historical Exhibits: Displays include antique tools, household items, and a military section to honor local veterans.
• Local Traditions: It highlights the history of the Big Rock Plowing Match, Illinois’s oldest annual festival of its kind.

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  The Red Schoolhouse Grand Opening

  The Schoolhouse Grand Opening had a great community turnout and was a huge success! Although we sometimes had to dodge a few raindrops, everyone enjoyed the event and ceremonies held on the Big Rock Historical Society’s campus on Sunday, August 30th. […]

Visitor Information

• Hours: Typically open on Sundays from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM. It also opens during specific local events, such as the Second Saturday Book Sale held at the adjacent Big Rock Library.
• Meetings: The society generally meets on the second Thursday of the month at 7:00 PM and often features guest speakers on local history.
• Accessibility: The site features a wheelchair-accessible entrance, parking, and restrooms.