KANKAKEE, IL – The French Heritage Museum is now open to the public in Kankakee, IL, showcasing the role of French settlers in the region’s history. Located in the Lemuel Milk Carriage House, the museum offers visitors a glimpse into the lives of the first explorers and missionaries, fur traders, and settlers from France, French Canada, and Belgium.
The museum is open from April to December on Saturdays from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. However, it will be closed on April 8th, September 2nd, and November 25th. Admission to the museum is free, but donations are appreciated.
In addition to the museum’s regular hours, visitors can enjoy several upcoming events. On May 13th, there will be a lecture about wartime memories, and on July 14th, the museum will host a Bastille Day Festival.
The French Heritage Museum is a crucial part of the Kankakee River Valley’s cultural identity. The museum is housed in the Lemuel Milk Carriage House, the last surviving remnant of the estate of Lemuel Milk, an early settler in the region who once owned over 25,000 acres of land. The carriage house was built between 1861 and 1868 and is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The French Heritage Museum is a great way for visitors to learn about the fascinating French heritage of the Kankakee River Valley. For more information, visitors can call the Kankakee County Museum at 815-932-5279 from Thursday to Saturday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
The museum’s opening has been highly anticipated by the community, providing an opportunity for locals and visitors alike to learn about the rich history of the region.
