The Staley Museum
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.
The Staley Museum is open year round; Tuesday – Saturday from 1:00 – 4:00 pm, and on the last Sunday of the month (March – November) from 1:00 – 4:00 pm.
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.

The Staley Office Building: Inaugurated in April, 1930
Also known as “The Castle in the Cornfields”
Photo Courtesy of the Hieronymus Mueller Museum
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 Museum on Facebook
Monday January 11th
The Staley Museum joins the Staley Family in their sorrow at the passing of Violet Lucas Staley. Vi Staley was well known in our community for her enthusiasm, generosity and compassion, and for offering her support to many important community projects. She was well loved by family, friends and community and will be greatly missed. ... See MoreSee Less
- Likes: 18
- Shares: 1
- Comments: 7
So very sorry for ur loss!!! Our condolences!!!!
What a beautiful and classy lady. My deepest sympathy to the family
Prayers for your family
So very sorry for your loss.
So sorry for your loss
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So sorry for your loss! Prayers for the family.
Friday January 1st
Wishing you all a happy and prosperous New Year!
Artwork by Laine Henson ... See MoreSee Less
Beautiful artwork!
Sad, but beautiful, super memories
Beautiful artwork but what a horrible loss by Staleys and Decatur lack of historical preservation society.
Beautiful...
Saturday December 26th
Photos from Spencer Films's post ... See MoreSee Less
Friday December 25th
Merry Christmas! 🎄🎁
We wish you all a healthy, happy, and safe holiday! ... See MoreSee Less
One day I have got to get my BUTT THERE !!!!!
Friday December 25th
Merry Christmas Eve!
Don’t forget to leave out some milk and cookies for Santa Claus tonight! But just in case you’ve run out, it looks like he enjoys pancakes with some Staley syrup too!
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First image features Clif Finley, Staley tinner posing as Santa Claus eating a breakfast of pancakes with Staley Sweetose waffle syrup, on the cover of the December 1952 Staley Journal.
Second Image caption reads: Ever stop to think how Santa can survive that Big Trip Christmas Eve? Here’s the reason-cakes and SWEETOSE for breakfast! It was so close to Christmas when we asked for the picture he couldn’t come, but suggested Clif Finley, Staley tinner, pose for him. “He’s just the right size,” Santa said. #meerychristmas #aestaley #staleymuseum #staley #decatur #illinois #staleysyrup ... See MoreSee Less
Thursday December 24th
Merry Christmas Eve!
Don’t forget to leave out some milk and cookies for Santa Claus tonight! But just in case you’ve run out, it looks like he enjoys pancakes with some Staley syrup too!
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First image features Clif Finley, Staley tinner posing as Santa Claus eating a breakfast of pancakes with Staley Sweetose waffle syrup, on the cover of the December 1952 Staley Journal.
Second Image caption reads: Ever stop to think how Santa can survive that Big Trip Christmas Eve? Here’s the reason-cakes and SWEETOSE for breakfast! It was so close to Christmas when we asked for the picture he couldn’t come, but suggested Clif Finley, Staley tinner, pose for him. “He’s just the right size,” Santa said. ... See MoreSee Less
We used Staley syrup at our house when I was a kid.
Tuesday December 22nd
As the day comes to a close, it’s always a treat to see the Christmas lights turn on outside. Did you decorate this year? ... See MoreSee Less
So pretty. I hope you get to have an open house next year 🎄
Cheyenne Calhoun
What a beautiful place!
Friday December 18th
Laine is a wonderful artist who’s work can be found on display in the museum as well as in our gift shop. ... See MoreSee Less
Friday December 11th
During this time of social distancing, we would like to encourage you to celebrate the season by honoring the tradition of driving and viewing holiday lights!
Like so many homes, the Staley Museum exterior has been fully decorated. Grab your loved ones and some cozy treats and safely enjoy the season!
Happy Holidays from the Staley Museum! 🎄☃️ ... See MoreSee Less
Saturday December 5th
Photos from The Staley Museum's post ... See MoreSee Less