‘Stone + Steeples’ - The Joliet Limestone Architectural Tour Returns!

Joliet, Illinois is a city where the past is carved in stone and the future is grounded in its heritage. Throughout the 19th Century, “Joliet Limestone” characterized grand public buildings and sacred spaces not only in Joliet, but throughout the State of Illinois and the greater Midwest.
Backed by popular demand, the Joliet Area Historical Museum (JAHM) in partnership with the City of Joliet Historic Preservation Commission is once again celebrating historic preservation month by offering a special thematic motorcoach tour on Saturday, May 31 entitled “Stone & Steeples” that showcases four historic Joliet limestone buildings. These structures not only highlight Joliet’s legacy of craftsmanship, community, and enduring design, but further define the City’s heritage as characterized by strong traditions of faith and worship.

• All Saints Greek Orthodox Church
• Saint Peter’s Lutheran Church
• University of St. Francis “Motherhouse”
• Bishop Hill Winery (Frederick Sehring Mansion)

Knowledgeable staff and docents will be on hand to share detailed histories of each location. Guests over 21 are encouraged to enjoy the award-winning wines served at Bishop Hill Winery, the last stop of the tour. In addition to their links to faith communities and congregations, the four structures selected are all part of the St. John’s neighborhood, among Joliet’s oldest settled areas. The tour builds on the grant-funded research completed during the St. John’s Historic Resource Survey project, overseen by the City of Joliet Historic Preservation Commission.
JAHM CEO Greg Peerbolte recalled the overwhelming response that the first limestone tour received in 2017. “We anticipated an intimate gathering of a couple dozen fellow limestone diehards and ended up filling two school buses with over 100 people,” said Peerbolte. “It just goes to show that even though no buildings have been constructed from Joliet Limestone in nearly a century, it remains an important feature of Joliet and a meaningful way to connect with our City’s history.”
If you go:

• Date: Saturday, May 31, 9 AM – 1 PM

Museum opens at 8:30 AM
Motorcoach will arrive/depart from JAHM
(Ticket Price includes JAHM admission for duration of the day)

• Cost: $30 General Public/$20 JAHM Members [Limited to 48 spaces]
• Parking: Joliet Area Historical Museum Surface Lot, Benton & Ottawa Sts.

Motorcoach will arrive/depart from JAHM
(Ticket Price includes JAHM admission for duration of the day)

• Tickets: Purchase online at jolietmuseum.org