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Welcome to the website of the Local History Center, located in the basement of the Mattoon Public Library. The Center is laid out like a small museum, best experienced in person, but this site gives you a taste of what you will find there.

Curator Chris Suerdieck is constantly adding to the collection of storyboards and artifacts that tell the history of Mattoon since the city's founding in 1855. Chris enjoys giving tours and answering questions. Normal hours are Monday - Friday, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM or by appointment.

This website has a list of the storyboards you will find at the Center, with a link to a pdf copy. For some, the title is a hyperlink to a webpage for that topic containing additional pictures and information. Like the center itself, this site is a work is progress so check back often to see what is new.

Please see the Contact page for how to reach us to set up an appointment, give us feedback, or supply us with new information. We hope you enjoy the site.