Joliet Area Historical Museum
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Bring History to Life with a Field Trip to the Joliet Area Historical Museum!
Our field trips offer students hands-on experiences with authentic artifacts and interactive exhibits, encouraging curiosity and creativity as they explore the past. Browse our field trip options below to find the perfect fit for your curriculum. Prairie Pioneers
Discover the early history of Joliet—from the indigenous tribes who first inhabited the region to the arrival of the earliest European settlers. Learn how these pioneers lived, worked, and raised their families during the formative days of our city.
Voices of the Past
Voice of the Past traces the early history of government in Illinois—from the formation of the state to the development of municipal systems in the City of Joliet.
The Way We Worked
Experience the Industrial Revolution on a local scale. Discover the rise of industry and manufacturing in Joliet and the surrounding region.
Guided Gallery Tour
Explore our permanent galleries with a knowledge guide. For more information on our current exhibits visit our gallery page here.
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Old Joliet Prison and Other Historic Sites
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Learn More at Three Additional Historic Sites in Joliet!
Students can dive into the complexities of the U.S. carceral system with a visit to the historic Old Joliet Prison. Step into the lives of early immigrants, Martin and Emma Planinsek, at the Grocery and Meat Market Museum to learn about their journey and contributions. Or discover how the railroad industry helped shape the City of Joliet at the Railroad Museum. General History Tour (Guided)
A 90-minute walking tour of the Old Joliet Prison, led by knowledgeable tour guides from the Joliet Area Historical Museum. Explore the general history of the site—from its opening in 1858 to its closure in 2002. This engaging tour offers an excellent introduction to the prison's past and its significance. Students will have the opportunity to step inside key areas of the facility, including the West Cell House, North Segregation, Dining Hall, and other buildings, as available.
Self-Guided Tour
Explore the Old Joliet Prison at your own pace. Informational signs are placed throughout the site to provide historic context for the site and structures you will be visiting. Students will have the opportunity to step inside key areas of the facility, including the West Cell House, North Segregation, Dining Hall, and other buildings, as available.
The Immigrant Experience
At the Planinsek Grocery and Meat Market Museum students will explore the immigrant experience in Joliet through the story of Slovenian immigrants Matin and Emma Planinsek. They'll learn about the vital role immigrants played in shaping the community and the lasting cultural impact they had on the city.
Railroads and Industry
Explore Joliet’s rich railroad and industrial history from the vantage point of the historic Union Depot Tower, a circa 1913 interlocking signal tower.
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Book your Field Trip Today!
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To book your field trip contact H'Aeneise Coopwood at [email protected] For more information: Download our Field Trip Flyer here. |