MCHS Winter Reception January 29

The Madison County Historical Society (MCHS) will hold its annual Winter Wine and Cheese Reception on Wednesday, January 29th from 4:30 p.m. – 7 p.m. at the Madison County History Museum where visitors can see for themselves the progress made over the past year. Some of the exhibit cases have been set aside to allow room in the galleries for an evening of live music, refreshments, and conversation among friends and supporters. The event is a fundraiser to help cover operating costs for the Madison County History Museum and Archival Library. A suggested donation of $25 can be paid by check, cash, or credit card at the door. The public is invited to attend.

The sound of live jazz will float through the museum as Wilbert Glasper and Company provide music for the evening. Glasper, of Venice, Illinois, is known for his saxophone throughout the St. Louis area. In 2018, the Musicians’ Association of St. Louis recognized him with the George Smith Diversity Award for 49 years of loyalty, dedication and fellowship. In 2019, Madison County government awarded him it’s “Living Legends Award” for the many years he has shared his music with the community. Glasper believes in the power of music to bring people together, and when he’s playing, everyone is swaying to the sound of the soft jazz that is his hallmark. Glasper is also a valued member of the MCHS Board of Directors.

The Society will provide wine, and light refreshments, but in years past, the most valued aspect of the evening was conversations among friends, supporters, and fellow history aficionados. It is also an opportunity to see the progress of renovations in the Weir House building during the past year. Progress includes the construction of a first floor ADA restroom and completion of galleries so that the Society is now able to provide exhibits open to the public.

The Madison County History Museum is located at 715 N. Main Street in Edwardsville. Before being purchased by the Society in 1963, it was home to the Weir family who built the house in 1836. Because of the Weir family’s long connection to the building, the museum is often referred to as the “Weir House.”

MCHS is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that has been preserving the stories, photographs, and artifacts of Madison County for more than a century. The Society owns and operates the museum as well as the Madison County Archival Library. Events like this one make it possible for MCHS to pay salaries and keep the lights on. The public’s assistance is greatly needed and appreciated. To learn more about the Madison County Historical Society, visit their website at https://madcohistory.org or call 618-656-7569.