Perry Jail Museum needs your help

The Perry County Historical Society Jail Museum in Pinckneyville is a window to our past.

It's a great stop in a great place and is largely self-supporting. But, on the eve of its holiday open house this Sunday, Dec. 14 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in could use your help.

"We need to replace or furnace," said Pinckneyville's Place Insurance and Real Estate owner Shirley Welch.

"Our stocking is hung on the mantel with care hoping that donations soon will be there," she says.

A local bank has offered to help and members of the Perry County Historical Society are doing what they can, as well.

On Sunday, there is a raffle for a hand-made quilt.

"Some tour the museum. Enjoy refreshments and help make our Christmas wish come true for a new furnace."

If you can make a donation, send it to the Perry County Jail Museum at 108 West Jackson St., Pinckneyville, Ill 62274 or all (619) 257-2225.

About the Jail

and Museum

The Perry County Jail, also known as the Perry County Jail Museum, is a history museum and historic jail in Pinckneyville, Illinois. Built in 1871, the jail was the second county jail used by Perry County. The county's first jail was built in 1833-34 and was demolished to make room for the new jail. The brick jail was built by contractor E. Hough of Indianapolis for $14,150. The county sheriff's residence was attached to the jail, an arrangement which allowed the sheriff to oversee the jail at all times. The county used the jail until 1987, when a newer jail was built. The building housed county offices until 1993, when the Perry County Historical Society leased the building for a museum.

The building was added to the National Register of Historic Places on August 10, 2000. It is one of two properties in Perry County on the National Register, along with the Du Quoin State Fairgrounds in Du Quoin.