JOLIET MUSEUM

The Joliet Historical Museum in Illinois showcases the history and culture of the Joliet area. The museum building was originally a post office and courthouse, built in 1901. They were added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1975.

The museum features exhibits covering the city’s industrial heritage, transportation history, and the lives and experiences of its diverse communities. Some of the museum’s most popular exhibits include a replica of a 1940s street scene – complete with storefronts and vehicles from the era. They have a display on Joliet’s role in the Underground Railroad and exhibits on the area’s Native American history and early French settlers. Their mission is to educate visitors about the rich history of Joliet and to foster a greater appreciation for the city’s past and present.

The museum has a gift shop that offers unique and locally-made items that celebrate the history and culture of the Joliet area. The shop sells handmade pottery, artwork, and other artisanal items from local makers. They offer historical memorabilia and educational materials.

The gift shop features a kinetic slideshow of Joliet’s history on a Picture Flap display. Their team purchased and curated a 6 Row and 6 Column Picture Flap to flip through historical images from the 19th and 20th centuries. The Picture Flap is not only watched by museum visitors but also by The Blues Brothers who have found themselves a permanent seat right in front of the sign.

The Picture Flap fits perfectly into the vintage vibe throughout the museum – alongside 1960s Chevrolets, street trolleys, and a Lunar Lander Simulator. Joliet sits within the first one hundred miles of Route 66. The flipping of the Picture Flap is right at home with the other mid-century analog exhibits. 60 "