Fayette County’s History Awaits
In 2019, Vandalia celebrated its Bicentennial with great pride, coming together to honor two centuries of history. Just a few years later, the Fayette County Museum quietly carries on that spirit, standing as a gateway to the past where visitors can step back in time and explore the stories that shaped our community.
Housed in the historic Gothic-Revival church at 301 W. Main St., the museum is a treasure trove of artifacts, photographs, and exhibits that chronicle the vibrant history of Fayette County.
Built in 1867 by the Presbyterian congregation, this building itself is part of that history, originally replacing the House of Divine Worship, which served as a shared space for early settlers. By 1970, as the Presbyterians moved on, Historical Vandalia, Inc. purchased the property and transformed it into a museum.
The Fayette County Museum opened its doors to the public in 1979 and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1982.
Today, the museum operates entirely through the efforts of volunteers, with a five-person board and curator Luann Tamborini at the helm. Their dedication ensures that thousands of artifacts from the era when Vandalia was Illinois’s capital (1819–1839) to more recent local history are preserved and shared.
“It’s amazing how many of our visitors come from outside the area,” Tamborini shared. Schoolchildren, tourists, and history enthusiasts alike are drawn to the museum’s exhibits, which range from furniture and tools to textiles and photographs, each telling a unique story.
The museum’s first floor is a carefully curated collection of displays, each designed to immerse visitors in different aspects of the past. Visitors can wander through these exhibits as though stepping into a bygone era, surrounded by objects that echo the lives of those who came before.
The real magic of the museum, however, lies in its storytelling.
Tamborini vividly brings history to life with tales like the one behind a shingle-making tool inscribed with the initials "A.L." She explains that this axe was once gifted to someone by a young Abraham Lincoln before he embarked on his political career.
Museum President Steve Durbin adds to this immersive experience. His tours are just as spellbinding.
Starting at the large mural on the north wall showcasing Vandalia during Lincoln's lawmaking period, Durbin leads visitors on memorable tours that are never the same twice thanks to the plethora of artifacts housed within.
Durbin works behind the scenes as well, creating guides that expand the museum's impact beyond its walls. These include booklet tours of historic homes, cemetery maps revealing long-forgotten gravesites, and other resources that connect visitors to the rich tapestry of Fayette County's past.
If you’re passionate about preserving local history and sharing it with others, the Fayette County Museum is always looking for volunteers to join its dedicated team. Whether you’re helping catalog artifacts, giving tours, or working in the historic garden, you’ll play a vital role in keeping our heritage alive.
The Fayette County Museum is open to the public and operates entirely on donations, which are greatly appreciated. For more information or to schedule a tour, call 618-283-4866. Step inside, and let the stories of Fayette County’s past transport you to another time.