Home

Belleville Historical Society

Our mission is to promote awareness and appreciation of the history, customs, artifacts, architecture and people of the city of Belleville, Illinois.

Image: Postcard depicting the southwest corner of the Belleville Public Square circa 1895. On the left is the St. Clair County Courthouse constructed in 1861. It was demolished in 1972. Open image in new tab »

How you can help

Your support will help us discover and share Belleville’s history.

How you can get involved

Belleville Historical Society offers tours of two locations: the Historic Garfield Street Saloon Museum and the Museum of Mid-Century Modern Architecture.

For tours of the Saloon Museum, please contact our historian, Bob Brunkow. You can reach him at 618-236-7481 (leave a message and he will call you back) or email at rdevb@earthlink.com.

For tours of the Museum of Mid-Century Modern Architecture, contact Margaret at 618-920-3261.

Updates from the Belleville Historical Society

2025 calendars now available »

Our latest newsletter »

Of what use is an old building »
Commentary by BHS historian Robert D. Brunkow and Belleville-News Democrat series by journalist Teri Maddox

Old Hotel Belleville / Lofts on the Square win 2022 Driehaus Foundation Preservation Award for “exceptional preservation efforts”

Midcentury Modern Belleville

Midcentury modern architect Charles E. King practiced in Belleville from 1947 to 1961, contributing significantly to the city’s – and the region’s – MCM landscape.

Tours are available by appointment. Please call Margaret at (618) 920-3261 for further information.

Museum of Mid-Century Modern Architecture in Belleville »

Watch the KING documentary on YouTube »

Upcoming Events

Annual All-Member Meeting
Wednesday, April 9 at 6:30 pm
Blazier House (6 Oak Knoll Place)

Save the date

Check back here for more exciting events!