The Belleville Historical Society was chartered as an active preservation organization and, since its founding in 2010, has launched several important preservation and education efforts in Belleville.

In addition to the projects below, the Historical Society has led several efforts to save and restore historically-significant buildings in Belleville (you can read about one successful effort in the Belleville News-Democrat). The Historical Society also sponsors a yearly photography contest for high school students, as well as other outreach programs. More information about these projects will be posted soon.

If you have any questions about these projects or would like to join us in preserving the history of Belleville, please contact us at bellevillehistoricalsociety@gmail.com or 618-531-7753. Your donation will also help fund and expand these initiatives.

“Historic Belleville” Calendars

Each year the Belleville Historical Society releases a calendar to promote awareness of Belleville’s history and raise money to support preservation efforts.
Buy the latest calendar »

Old Hotel Belleville / Meredith Memorial Home

The City of Belleville planned to demolish the historic Hotel Belleville / Meredith Home, located on our city’s Public Square, in November 2014. In response to efforts by the Belleville Historical Society and other civic entities, the city granted this Art Deco beauty a reprieve until May 2015. With this additional time, the building was saved by the Southwestern Illinois Development Authority (SWIDA) and Bywater Development Group, who repurposed the old hotel into the Lofts on the Square.
Saving Hotel Belleville »

Garfield Street Historic Saloon

The former Garfield Street Saloon was built in 1894-95 by Adam Gintz. Gintz was president of the Western Brewing Company, which brewed Stag Beer in Belleville from 1907 to 1988. The Historical Society purchased the building in 2010 to serve as a venue for events and eventually house a museum dedicated to Belleville’s brewing history.
Help us stock the museum with Belleville brewery memorabilia »
Learn more about the history and future of the Garfield building »

Architect Charles Erwin King

Midcentury modern architect Charles E. King practiced in Belleville from 1947 until 1961. At least 36 of his residential designs and 19 of his commercial designs in Belleville were built, and all but two still stand today. In 1991 King was named of one of Architectural Digest’s “Top 100 Architects.”
Learn more about Charles E. King and his works »

Midcentury Modern Architecture Museum / Blazier House

The historical society is in the process of restoring a Midcentury Modern home designed by Charles E. King to serve as an architectural museum in Belleville.
Learn more about the Blazier House »

Belleville Walk of Fame

The Belleville Historical Society “Walk of Fame,” which was initiated in 2014 as part of the city’s Bicentennial celebration, honors Bellevilleans who have made “significant contributions to our city, region, or nation or who have brought fame to Belleville.” The Walk of Fame is located on the northwest quadrant of Belleville’s Public Square, where plaques mark the contributions of our inductees.
Learn more about the Belleville Walk of Fame »

Fund to Save Historically Significant Homes from Demolition

The Belleville Historical Society is attempting to raise a fund of $100,000 to renovate a historic house at 100 North 11th Street in old West Belleville. Upon completion, the house would be sold and the money would be put back into a fund to do the same with another historic house destined for demolition.
Give to the fund or learn more »

Belleville Bicentennial

In 2014, Belleville celebrated its 200th birthday. Throughout the year, the Historical Society was involved in events to celebrate and promote Belleville history.
Learn about Bicentennial events »

Old Belleville Township Stadium Pillars

The four Art Deco pillars that had been a hallmark of Belleville Township Stadium since 1939 were in danger of being demolished in the spring of 2012 to make way for new construction. The Historical Society was able to save the pillars and is seeking donations to cover the cost of their preservation.
Help us save the BTHS Stadium pillars »