2026 Annual Meeting & Dinner Fundraiser
Join the Stephenson County Historical Society for our Annual Meeting and Dinner Fundraiser on Thursday, April 16, 2026, at the Eagles Club in Freeport. The evening will begin with a social hour at 5:00pm, followed by dinner at 6:00pm, our annual business meeting, and a special program on Ghost Towns of Stephenson County: The History of Forgotten Rural Communities During the County’s First 100 Years, presented by Sharon Welton and SCHS volunteers. Dinner will be catered by Vicki Mulder Catering. This event is one of our key annual fundraisers and helps support museum operations, exhibits, and community programming. Reservations are required by April 1.
Click here to download and print the reservation form. Completed forms may be mailed or dropped off at the museum.
Winter Hours
Thursday 11 AM-3 PM
Friday 11 AM-3 PM
Saturday Noon- 4 PM
Sunday Noon- 4 PM
Group tours available by appointment
After almost 5 years of research and writing, the final touches are being put on our new book, Ghost Towns of Stephenson County, the History of Forgotten Rural Communities During Their First 100 Years. This 300-page book chronicles the history of over 75 communities that once existed in our county.
The book contains over 550 historic photos, maps, and other illustrations that help tell these stories.
The book will debut at the SCHS Annual Dinner on April 16th, 2026. and will be the topic of the dinner presentation. Books will be for sale at that time, or later at the museum gift shop.
The book will be offered in two formats- a softcover with standard quality color for $35, and a hardcover with premium color for $55.
