The Staley Museum in Decatur, Illinois
The Staley Museum opened its doors to the public during the summer of 2015. We are excited be a full-fledged member of our community. Here you will find updates and news about the museum and exciting events going on.
The Staley Museum and this web site are both works in progress. We encourage visitors to continue to check back with us and see how we are progressing. We would also like to encourage visitors to the site to share any stories or information they may have regarding Staley history.
Photos, documents, articles and memorabilia are all welcome and appreciated. Anyone wishing to make a contribution to the Staley museum may contact us through via the Artifact Donation Form found on this site. Also, for anyone in our area who wishes to be a Volunteer at the museum and offer their time and/or expertise, please go to the Volunteer Form and fill out your information so that we may contact you personally. We invite you to Contact Us.
Visit the Staley Museum
The Staley Museum is open year-round
Tuesday – Saturday: 1:00 – 4:00 pm
Last Sunday of the month (March – November): 1:00 – 4:00 pm.
Admission
Adults: $5
Seniors: $3
Child (18 and under): $1
Location
361 N. College Street
Decatur, IL
The Staley Story
A.E. Staley was a big man with big dreams and had the determination to make those dreams a reality. Although he did not arrive on the scene until the 1900’s, his impact of Decatur was such that he is counted as one of the founding fathers. The largeness of his dreams and of his civic minded generosity has contributed in major ways to the city we know today.
It was A.E.’s pioneering vision in the area of soy beans, both the cultivation and processing, that gave Decatur the name “Soy Bean Capitol of the World.”
In the period of one decade, 1920-1930, A.E. Staley made significant contributions to the community of Decatur, being the driving force behind the creation of Lake Decatur, the Staley viaduct, the Staley Office Building, and the formation of the Decatur Staleys football club, later to become the Chicago Bears.
The story of A.E. Staley is one in which the city of Decatur has the right to feel great pride. It is a story which forms a major part in the industrial and agricultural history of central Illinois. We look forward to sharing that pride and history as we work toward the opening of the Staley Museum.
The Staley Office Building: Inaugurated in April, 1930
Also known as “The Castle in the Cornfields”
Photo courtesy of the Hieronymus Mueller Museum
The Staley Office Building: Inaugurated in April, 1930
Also known as “The Castle in the Cornfields”
Photo courtesy of the Hieronymus Mueller Museum
Staley Museum Latest News & Happenings
We are pleased to share that Spencer Films together with The Staley Museum and Route 66 MotorHeads Bar & Grill, Museum & Entertainment Complex are presenting a very special "Fields of Gold" screening and dinner on Saturday evening, February 1.
A prime rib buffet will be offered, with a bottle of champagne on each table. Additional activities include red carpet photo ops, a cash bar featuring specialty drinks, merchandise for sale, exhibit tables, and complimentary popcorn during the screening. Attendees can also tour the historic Route 66 displays featured as part of the Motorheads museum. Dress attire is casual.
More importantly, proceeds from ticket sales will benefit the Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Illinois and merchandise sales will benefit The Staley Museum.
Tickets are $60 and available now through Eventbrite:
www.eventbrite.com/e/1128300309599?aff=oddtdtcreator
The film is produced in partnership with Pollack Films, the Herald & Review, and The Staley Museum.
About the Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Illinois:
The BGCCIL is the LARGEST no-cost afterschool childcare program in Sangamon and Morgan counties serving more than 2,000 youth at our Central Unit and 21 elementary and middle school locations throughout Springfield and Jacksonville Public Schools. We are dedicated to a mission of enabling all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens and our primary programs and services serve youth through after-school and summer academic enrichment programs. These programs include educational enhancement, character and leadership development, health and wellness, arts and culture, and workforce readiness. Through these evidence-based programs, we provide homework help, tutoring, STEM education, leadership skills development, physical fitness activities, nutrition education, mental health support, and opportunities for creativity and self-expression that help improve youth outcomes and decrease risk factors. Our goals include ensuring all members graduate from high school on time, ready for postsecondary education or a career; encouraging our members to adopt healthy lifestyles through fitness and wellness programs; and instilling a sense of civic duty and community involvement in our members. For additional information visit bgccil.org
Everyone please take note,
This is going to be a wonderful opportunity to enjoy an evening out!
Follow the link to get your tickets! 😊We are pleased to announce that Spencer Films together with The Staley Museum and Route 66 MotorHeads Bar & Grill, Museum & Entertainment Complex are presenting a very special "Fields of Gold" screening and dinner on Saturday evening, February 1.
A prime rib buffet will be offered, with a bottle of champagne on each table. Additional activities include red carpet photo ops, a cash bar featuring specialty drinks, merchandise for sale, exhibit tables, and complimentary popcorn during the screening. Attendees can also tour the historic Route 66 displays featured as part of the Motorheads museum. Dress attire is casual.
More importantly, proceeds from ticket sales will benefit the Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Illinois and merchandise sales benefit The Staley Museum.
Tickets are $60 and available now through Eventbrite:
www.eventbrite.com/e/1128300309599?aff=oddtdtcreator
The film is produced in partnership with Pollack Films, the Herald & Review, and The Staley Museum.
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Is the movie field of goals out on DVD? And if so where can I get one?
100 Years Ago...
Cover art for the January 1925 issue of the Staley Journal.
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