Glen Carbon Heritage Museum Closing On Saturdays

GLEN CARBON – The Glen Carbon Heritage Museum will start closing on Saturdays after this weekend, citing low attendance numbers, though the museum will still host weekend events and Saturday tours by request.

Mayor Bob Marcus announced at the July 28, 2026 Village Board meeting that the museum’s hours are changing, but that accommodations are available for those unable to attend during the updated hours.

“Saturday, Aug. 1 will be the last Saturday the museum is open. Starting thereafter, museum hours will be Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; the museum closes Saturdays and Sundays,” Marcus said. “Please note that any previously scheduled weekend events will continue as planned.”

The mayor said visitors who are unable to stop by during regular hours can schedule a private Saturday tour by contacting Museum Manager Samantha Doolin at 618-288-7271.

Doolin confirmed the news as part of the museum’s Annual Update presentation to village trustees. She said after analyzing visitor data for each day of the week, attendance was consistently shown to be lowest on Saturdays. However, the museum will still host Saturday events and tours by request, with interested organizers asked to contact Doolin to make arrangements.

Among the museum’s statistical highlights for 2025 is a record amount of money raised, totaling $7,300.

“We have raised more money in 2025 than we have ever,” Doolin said, adding funds were generated through donations, T-shirt and other merchandise sales, and event ticket sales and fees.

Doolin said the museum’s total number of visitors was down last year compared to the year prior. She said this was mostly due to scheduling, as certain events happen every other year, a large field trip was rescheduled for 2025, and much of the museum’s winter events were canceled due to snow. However, Doolin said the museum is planning a slate of new events this year she expects will attract more visitors.

Results from a community survey show Cabin Day is by far the most popular event the museum offers, with most village residents having attended the event sometime in the past six years. As part of the Madison County Historical Society's Living History Days Festival, the annual event features living history demonstrations, vendors, and live music at the historic Yanda Log Cabin site.

Residents have also shown interest in special exhibits, speakers, and family events. Doolin said the museum is “right on track with what people want to see” by offering four special exhibits this year, welcoming new guest speakers with more presentations, as well as family-friendly events coming up in August.

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