The Williamson County Historical Society Museum and Library located at 105 S. Van Buren St. in Marion will expand it hours of operation to four days a week starting on Wednesday, March 2, 2022. The museum typically limits its hours to Saturdays only during the winter months in order to save on heating costs and perform repairs and renovations. The museum/library’s new hours of operation will be Wednesday through Saturday from 9:30 to 3:00 P.M.

The historical society has hosted the museum in the old county jail since 1976. The jail building once served as the county jail from its construction in 1913 to its last prisoner discharge in early 1972. The jail once housed as many as 80 plus inmates, was a hot spot during the roaring twenties and served as the location for the last prisoner to be publicly hanged in the county in 1927. In addition to a jail, the building also served as the residence for the then current county sheriff.

The museum has four floors and 26 rooms of historical artifacts covering everything from jail cells to local Native American artifacts, early pioneer life, a general store and drug store, vintage clothing, housekeeping, coal mining, vintage tools and much more. Tours, either guided or self-guided, are free, but donations are appreciated.

The research library contains thousands of collected references related to local history and genealogy. Free Wi-Fi is provided and assistance from staff is available to aid those doing research. Even if you have never delved into your family genealogy our staff can help you get started.

Anyone interested in volunteering to help at the museum are welcome. Volunteers can help with typing, research, tours, maintenance, etc. It is our hope that with additional volunteers we can get the museum back to a six day a week schedule as we were in pre-pandemic times.