The Heritage Center: Preserving Springfield history for future generations

Credit: HANDOUT

Credit: HANDOUT

The Clark County Historical Society was founded by local G.A.R. veterans in 1897 who felt that it was high time for this progressive city of Springfield to save its own historical objects and protect them for future generations.

While they collected lots of military objects and other local historical items, in the early years, they were typical of most 19th century museum, showcasing bizarre oddities in a “cabinet of curiosities.”

At the Heritage Center, part of the first floor display plays homage to the early museum collections, featuring a case of odd specimens that include a “Mer-Man,” large fossils, teeth, skulls, and other natural history items.

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