We host many different events and educational programs that are open to the public. Our goal is to provide access to the history of the area, as well as to educate the public on different historical practices, culture, and events.
See our past and upcoming events below. Please contact us for any additional information.
Please note: All programs start at 7:00 p.m. Locations for the programs are listed below.
2026/2027 Programs
The History of Coal Mining in Grundy County
Date: Tuesday, September 22, 2026
Location: Grundy County History Museum, 510 W. Illinois Ave.
Presenter: Richard “Dick” Joyce
Dick Joyce is a descendant of immigrant coal miners on both sides of his family. He grew up on the family farm near South Wilmington. A graduate of Gardner-South Wilmington High School, Dick earned a bachelor’s degree in history from Lewis College and a master’s degree in history from Illinois State University. He taught for 34 years at Wilmington High School and also taught at the University of St. Francies in Joliet. Mr. Joyce has served on the township board in Greenfield township and also served for 34 years on the Grundy County Board. He has authored several published articles on Northern Illinois coal mining and published a book in 2024 titled “Spring Valley is a Mining Town.”
Program sponsored by Grundy County History Museum and Morris Public Library