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Shedd Aquarium

Stephenson County Historical Museum

1440 South Carroll Avenue, Freeport, IL 61032

History Museums

We welcome you to come take a tour of our surprisingly large and unique museum!

The museum complex is situated on a 3-acre arboretum and includes: 1) An 1857 Italianate home built by Oscar Taylor. This home was the social center of early Freeport and may have been a stop on the Underground Railroad. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. 2) The Millerburg schoolhouse, furnished to depict rural school life circa 1920. 3) The Industry Museum which highlights the rich manufacturing heritage of Stephenson County including the Henney Company, Stover, W.T. Rawleigh and more. 4) The Arcade Toy Museum which showcases the world’s largest public exhibit of Arcade cast-iron toys made in Freeport by Arcade Manufacturing as well as other toys manufactured in Freeport including Structo and Realistic. 5) An authentic log cabin built by Irish immigrants in the 1840s and furnished to depict the time period before 1850. Admission: Adults: $8; Children 6 and above: $4. Group tour discount available. Open: Wednesday thru Sunday: Noon to 4 pm, or by appointment.

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