Museum of Springfield History

Before the opening banquet, the lower level exhibit area was dedicated as the Farrell and Ann Gay Museum of Springfield History.

Pictured here are (center) Farrell and Ann Gay, and their sons and spouses, (left) Cole and Sharon Gay and (right) Todd and Susie Gay.

For some recent news stories on the Iles House opening, see the State Journal-Register, and Chicago WBBM-TV.

You may also listen to an NPR interview on Living in Illinois, archived under the date 9/15/05. You will need RealPlayer to listen.

Greetings

On Friday, September 23, 2005, the Elijah Iles House opened to the public. At a festive Opening Banquet that evening, the invited guests included many persons who contributed so generously to make this dream a reality.

Over the next few days, we will bring you a series of photos from the event. Pictured here are the designated greeters, Curt Mann and Linda Garvert. In the background are Chuck and Sue Campton, portraying the banquet hosts, Mrs. Melinda and Major Elijah Iles.

All pictures are courtesy of Richard Hart.

Grand Opening

Today marks the Grand Opening of the Elijah Iles House, Springfield's Museum of History. The House is not about any one person or family. It is about all of the citizens of Springfield and their many stories: schools, work places, churches, ethnic groups, service clubs, entertainments and sports. These many wonderful stories will now have a place to be told.

At the Grand Opening ceremony at 11:00 today, a key to the House will pass from one generation to the next. Latham Souther and Larry Stevens, both direct descendants of Mr. & Mrs. Latham Souther, will represent the Souther's important role in saving the House in 1910. They were truly Springfield's first preservationists.

The House has stood witness to the lives of all Springfield citizens since 1837 and it is now a place for all of Springfield's citizens to enjoy. Please come to the Grand Opening at 11:00 and see for yourself.

Richard E. Hart, Board Member, Elijah Iles House Foundation