Pope County Historical Society - The Packet

06/07/2026

Thank you to the Long Knives Chapter of Sons of the American Revolution for the Liberty Tree placed in honor of our Revolutionary War Veterans.

06/07/2026

We want to thank everyone who came for the Liberty Tree Dedication Ceremony today.

06/04/2026

"Revolutionary War Veterans of Southern Illinois" is the title of a presentation by Darrel Dexter on Tuesday, June 23, at 6 p.m., at the Pope County Museum located at 112 N. Columbus Ave., Golconda.

Most people are familiar with the seven-year struggle for
independence called the American Revolutionary War. The role that Southern Illinois and many Southern Illinois pioneers played in that fight is less known, even as we celebrate the 250th anniversary of our independence.

Dexter's presentation will highlight the roles of a few of the 66 known Revolutionary War veterans who later settled in the counties of Pope, Union, Johnson, Jackson, Alexander, Pulaski, and Massac. He will explain how he identified the veterans through histories, military records, pension files, and other sources. Some of the men served in the Continental Army, while most of them were in their state's militia. A few were with George Washington at Valley Forge and at the Surrender at Yorktown. Others were in the Illinois Regiment of Long Knives, including Lewis Field of Pope County. Dexter will talk about the battles the men were engaged in and who they fought besides the British during the war. The willingness of these men to serve helped establish our country's freedom 250 years ago.

06/01/2026

05/25/2026

Reminder -
Join us at the Pope County Historical Society Museum in Golconda at 6 p.m. on
Tuesday, May 26 for a discussion of resources available to those researching family history and local history in the county. We will discuss published resources, the courthouse, the library, as well as demonstrate the growing collection of scanned
records, published and original, available to members on the Historical Society website (www.popecoilhs.org).
We will also discuss the application process to get your Pope County ancestor recognized as a Pope Pioneer.

Pope County Illinois was created in 1816. The society has worked since 1966 to collect artifacts and items of interest regarding the county's history. Family genealogy is important to the society.

05/14/2026

Get your Raffle tickets! We are having a Spring Raffle. Tickets can be purchased at the Museum (items on display there) or the Not-So-New (photos available). Tickets are $1 each or 6 for $5. You select the items you want to purchase tickets for. Drawing will be Sunday, May 31st, 3pm. You do not need to be present to win. Proceeds go to the Building Fund.

05/14/2026

If you want to have an interesting time this Sunday, come to the Vienna (IL) Cemetery for a lesson in grave witching with Funeral Director Brian Bailey! It will start at 2:30, and we will have witching sticks available. Postponed in case of bad weather.

05/11/2026

Join us at the Pope County Historical Society Museum in Golconda at 6 p.m. on
Tuesday, May 26 for a discussion of resources available to those researching family history and local history in the county. We will discuss published resources, the courthouse, the library, as well as demonstrate the growing collection of scanned
records, published and original, available to members on the Historical Society website (www.popecoilhs.org).
We will also discuss the application process to get your Pope County ancestor recognized as a Pope Pioneer.

Pope County Illinois was created in 1816. The society has worked since 1966 to collect artifacts and items of interest regarding the county's history. Family genealogy is important to the society.