Alton Museum of History and Art Faces Ongoing Closure and Repair Challenges

Our Daily Show Interview! The Latest from the Alton Museum of History & Art

ALTON - The Alton Museum of History and Art, closed since the COVID-19 Pandemic era in 2020, and Executive Director Brian Combs spoke on "Our Daily Show!" with host C.J. Nasello on Friday, March 27, 2026, about the museum and its future.

Combs cited ongoing building problems; the museum is located at Loomis Hall on the Southern Illinois University campus in Alton. While repairs have been made over time, he said much more needs to be done with the building. He also cited what he described as distant interactions with city officials as another concern and communicated about persistent public questions about artifact care at the museum.

Combs said the Alton Museum Board is aging, with the average age around 50 years old, and that new volunteers are encouraged.

Combs pointed out the museum has been closed for six years and remains “not open.”

Combs said the museum operates in what he described as “a very contentious environment around here in the Alton region,” and that progress can be slow because of the “very delicate situation” of working with “rare, delicate things” that are “one-of-a-kind" artifacts in the museum.

He also addressed rumors about the storage of artifacts at the Alton Museum. “There are a lot of rumors about how the museum is storing them improperly, but that is not true," he said. "Many of the core exhibits are in the same place in the museum that they were six years ago."

Combs added that the museum keeps an inventory list and that artifacts are in a “location within the museum and protected.” He said the museum has operated with "bylaws" since it was established and continues to operate under those, another question some have asked.

Combs said the museum receives no ongoing financial support from the federal or local government. “From day one, the permanent sign in the museum says we get no ongoing financial support from the federal or local government. It is operated through all private donations and grants,” he said.

He also cited financial figures, saying that in 2021 the museum had “$108,000 in cash assets” and that “now $73,000 in 2026,” with “ongoing utility bills” and costs for “banking, utilities, and general maintenance where the funds have gone since 2021.”

Combs also pointed out that Alton relies today on tourism as a major economic push, and he has wondered if the city relies on tourism, how important is the museum in that theme?

Combs described a series of contacts with city officials as unproductive. He said he was “extremely reluctant to present it (the museum's ongoing situation)” publicly but felt it had become more difficult to remain positive.

Alton Mayor David Goins commented on Friday and said the city has limitations on what it can do to help the Alton Museum of History and Art.

"The museum is a private entity and the city’s role is limited," he said. “There is nothing we can do, because it is a private entity. They have their own board; there is nothing we can do.” Goins added, “We are asking them to give a report about the museum to the council. We know the building is in disrepair, and the artifacts have to be protected. But we are limited on what we can do because it is a private entity."

Combs said some have expressed interest in operating the museum, but he didn't feel those people were qualified enough from a historical perspective to turn over the keys to the operation. He said if there are large donors to the museum, they would have to be screened thoroughly and accepted through proper contingencies.

Combs said the building issues remain significant, describing the museum structure in Loomis Hall as “200 years old” and citing roof and foundation concerns, water in the basement, and damaged fixtures. Loomis Hall was named for Rev. Hubbel Loomis. The Alton Museum of History and Art was founded in 1971 as a not-for-profit organization.

The museum has always housed a collection related to Robert Wadlow, the world's tallest man, Lewis & Clark exhibits, the Alton Confederate prison, and the Lincoln-Douglas debates, along with much about the region's Native American populations. It is the most renowned of all Robert Wadlow collections. The Robert Wadlow Statue, birth home, and chair are located directly across College Avenue Street from Loomis Hall in Alton.

Combs added that the main exhibits inside the museum are exactly as they always have been.

Combs explained that museum representatives will be present at a table on campus near the museum in recognition of National Volunteer Week, starting April 20, 2026.

"We will be out there for three or four days, depending on the weather, starting at 11 in the morning each day," he said.

Combs said the museum’s volunteer work requires patience and careful handling.

"Anybody who starts at the museum as a volunteer will note it is a very slow process,” he said. “Drastic change does take a lot of time regarding a historical museum."

Combs said at this point, he is hopeful that donors emerge, the relationship with the city improves, and the building structure is fixed, or a move of the museum could occur to a location that would work and have the proper size.

He said anyone who has an interest in assisting the museum should email altonmuseum@gmail.com.

More like this:

Alton Alderman John Meehan Provides 5th Ward Updates, Reflects on City's Growth

Apr 30, 2026

St. John’s Adds Family Heritage Center to Church Museum, Open to Public June 14  

Jun 13, 2026

Rockin' With Robert Event Cancelled For Tuesday Night, June 9, 2026, Because Of Warm Conditions

Jun 9, 2026

Ribbon Cutting Ends Official Dedication Of National Memorial Of Military Ascent

Jun 9, 2026

Giannoulias Unveils America 250 Celebration Highlighting Illinois’ Lasting Impact on the Nation

2 days ago