The Lebanon Historical Society

The Lebanon Historical Society was founded in 1964 by Mr. Leon Church. He founded this organization to preserve the Mermaid House where Charles Dickens spent the night in 1842. He also was the key player in preserving Emerald Mound outside of Lebanon, Illinois and he also was a huge part in the attempt to save the St. Clair County Courthouse from demolition by the County. He was also President of the Alumni Association who was responsible for saving the chapel and restoring the chapel. 

It is our mission to continue both the legacy of Leon and Helen Church as well as his son Harrison and Harriet Church who upon his father’s passing led our organization for three more decades. 

The Church’s were pillars of our community, and it is our goal to provide the place and opportunity to share Lebanon’s incredible history and preserve it for future generations to enjoy. 

Our Projects 

• Mermaid House – Located at 114 East St. Louis Street, Lebanon, Illinois  62254 this is the jewel of Lebanon. Charles Dickens, the English author of timeless classics like A Christmas Carol, Oliver Twist, David Copperfield, and Great Expectations, spent the night here in 1842 on a part of an American Tour where he traveled as far as St. Louis, Missouri.  Mr. Dickens was fairly outspoken against the American practice of slavery but spoke fondly of the “Looking Glass Prairie.”  He actually chose stay at this Inn over the fancier hotel in Lebanon, because it had the perfect view of the prairie. Schedule your visit here.

• The Trolly – Recently restored by a local resident, this original piece of Lebanon’s history is located at 1 Perryman St, Lebanon, IL 62254. The trolly is open for special events, by appointment, and on weekends– weather permitting. 

• The Old Advertiser Building – Leon and Helen Church, along with Harriet and Harrison Church were the owners of the Lebanon Advertiser from 1939 until 2014. It holds the title for being the longest operating business on our beloved brick street. It is our plan to utilize this building as our community museum in the near future. Stay tuned! 

• Architecture– Our many historic homes, historic shopping district, and McKendree College Buildings. 

• Our Community – Our community is by far our greatest asset. It is the people and our traditions, past and present, of Lebanon that make us so unique. 

Where To Find Us 

We meet the third Thursday of every month in the lower level of the Visitor Center at 6:30pm. You can also find us at the Mermaid House, 114 East St. Louis Street, Lebanon, Illinois  62254.