french heritage museum at the stone barn

Well maintained stone barn, many antiques and well laid out. If you have French ancestors in the area--it's a must visit. The guide was knowledgeable and while they are only open on the weekend--they made a special accommodation to open for me during the week.

A nicely presented brief history of the cultural explosion in the mid-1800's by sizeable numbers of cultural farmers into the small local communities of Kankakee and Iroquois counties. This building is the largest business structure in the community remaining from period prior to the Civil War. Although only open to the public on Saturdays it is a nice visit into the culture that existed there.

Disclaimer: the museum isn't the best-organized and the exhibits could use some better-suited design. BUT! The strength of this museum is the fact that it covers a little-known era in the Kankakee area and highlights the French heritage of northeastern Illinois. If you're coming from Chicago, the museum isn't worth the trip on its own, but it definitely can be coupled with other area attractions to fill an afternoon.

Genealogists or anyone interested in the history of the Kankakee area will enjoy a visit to this small community museum. Lots of information on the early explorers, fur traders and later families from French Quebec who settled here. The building, The Old Stone Barn also known as Lemuel Milk Carriage House, was built in 1860 and is on the Nat'l Register of Historical Places. The barn has seen a lot of history over the years - used as a ice house, stable for Kankakee Fire Dept horses,warehouse, restaurant and now a museum. Hours are limited so call ahead to check before visiting www.kankakeecountymuseum.com