Walking Through History
Madison County Historical Society and the City of Edwardsville
On September 24, the Madison County Historical Society (MCHS) will hold its first Family History Walk. Participants can walk (or drive) to four different locations in downtown Edwardsville where visitors from Edwardsville’s past will talk about their lives here. Inspired by the history walks experienced by second graders in years past, participants will visit with Madison County Surveyor Beniah Robinson (1796-1869), Mrs. Matilda Gerke (1865-1945), and Governor Edward Coles (1786-1868). The fourth stop will have a short play about Governor Ninian Edwards (1775-1833).
Visitors can start and stop their tour wherever it is convenient. Three of the locations are on Main Street and the fourth at Columbus School on N. Kansas Street. A map is available on both Facebook and on the MCHS website, as well as at any of the four locations on the day of the event. Performance times and locations are as follows:
Wildey Theatre Lobby (252 N. Main Street)
10 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Meet Matilda Gerke (1865-1945), a citizen of Edwardsville who will take visitors for a 1928 stroll on the 200 block of Main Street. (Portrayed by Cindy Reinhardt)
Former Lincoln School (LCCC Building, 1210 N. Main Street)
10 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Governor Edward Coles (1786-1868) tells the story of early Edwardsville from the location that was once the Court House Square for Madison County. (Portrayed by William Krause)
Columbus School (315 N. Kansas)
11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Meet early Madison County surveyor Beniah Robinson (1796-1869) who will demonstrate early methods of surveying. (Portrayed by surveyor Jeffrey Pauk)
Weir House (715 N. Main Street)
Noon and 3 p.m.
“Ninian! A Ghostly Pageant,” A short play about the life of Ninian Edwards (1775-1833), written and directed by Jeff Skoblow.
This event is suitable for families and is free and open to the public. It is co-sponsored by the City of Edwardsville. For more information on the Family History Walk or the Madison County Historical Society, visit https://madcohistory.org/ or call 618--656-1294.