After more than a decade of careful planning, the Historical Society of Quincy and Adams County (HSQAC) is moving forward with a transformative expansion of the History Museum on the Square — a project that will greatly enhance how the community experiences and connects with local history.
For nearly 130 years, HSQAC has been dedicated to educating members and the community about the rich heritage of Quincy, Adams County, and the surrounding region. Through ongoing efforts to collect and preserve documents, artifacts, and structures, the organization continues to share the fascinating story of the area’s past. This expansion marks an important milestone toward achieving one of their key goals: “History for All.”
“Many individuals with limited mobility have found it nearly impossible to access the Museum. While the front steps are architecturally impressive, they pose a significant hazard and deter many from attending Museum programs and events,” says Executive Director, Rob Mellon. The current exterior lift, which provides access through a secondary entrance, has been unreliable due to weather issues and design complications.
These accessibility challenges go beyond just the building’s entrance. Two steep flights of stairs lead to the main meeting area, with no other way to reach it. The facility’s restrooms also need updates to better serve visitors with disabilities. HSQAC is confident these improvements will bring many more visitors to both the Museum and gift shop, sharing their important work with a wider audience.
The exciting 3,700 SF expansion will welcome visitors through an easy ground-floor entrance and modern elevator. Carefully positioned west of the existing building, this addition will blend beautifully with the current structure while preserving its iconic façade and staying hidden from Washington Park’s view. Beyond greatly improving accessibility and community engagement, the expansion will extend its life and verify visitor safety for years to come.
These updates will make Museum operations more efficient, allowing for expanded programming and exhibits for all visitors. With increased space and another 1,000 SF of renovations to the existing interior, the organization will be able to showcase more diverse artifacts while offering enhanced educational opportunities for schools and tour groups. The expansion will also create a new home for HSQAC’s Lincoln Gallery — currently located in the John Wood Mansion — bringing everything together in one place that perfectly matches the Museum’s role as an official Welcome Center for the Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area.
“[The expanded Lincoln Gallery] will strengthen the community’s connection to the state’s Looking for Lincoln initiative by providing an enhanced educational resource focused on Lincoln and his relationship with Quincy.”
HSQAC anticipates that this addition will improve the Museum’s status as a “must-see” tourist attraction in Quincy. With the inclusion of additional space, accessible amenities, and a rooftop terrace, the organization hopes that the space will gain popularity as a rental venue as well.
“The elevator will streamline catering operations, providing faster, easier access to the kitchen and eliminating the need to carry food up and down stairs.”
This expansion represents more than just building improvements — it’s about opening doors to history for everyone in the community.
“We remain committed to our mission, as this expansion aligns seamlessly with our dedication to education and preservation. The project will enable us to offer enhanced and more diverse educational opportunities for all visitors, with particular benefits for our highly-regarded programs … The expansion will also provide additional space for the storage and care of artifacts and other items in our Collection.”
HSQAC looks forward to welcoming visitors to explore, learn, and connect with the rich heritage that makes Quincy and Adams County truly special. The Historical Society of Quincy and Adams County is still actively fundraising for this project. If you are interested in donating, please visit the link below:
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