Nauvoo Historical Society Museums

The Weld House, built in the late 1830s, served as the home and office of Dr. John F. Weld from 1842-1846. Today, it houses a museum where each room reflects a different era of Nauvoo’s history. Each exhibit includes Native Indian artifacts, displays from Nauvoo's first settlers, a Mormon representation, and highlights from the Icarian community, among others. Covering history from Quashquema to the present, visitors will see items related to Dr. John Weld, a pioneer physician. This Greek revival style home, dating back to circa 1837, features artifacts showcasing Nauvoo's rich history, including a 900-piece arrowhead collection, a river history display, pioneer artifacts, and copies of Joseph and Hyrum's death masks, alongside 1895 wedding garments and old Nauvoo business artifacts, all telling over 100 years of Nauvoo history.

The Weld House Museum is located in Nauvoo's business district, making it one of western Illinois' best examples of Greek revival architecture. In 1986, the Nauvoo Historical Society purchased the property and initiated extensive restoration efforts, which included removing four additions and rebuilding the basement and first-story walls. The Society continues its restoration and preservation efforts, with rooms adopted by local families. The Moffitt Room showcases Earl Cheesebro’s impressive 900-piece arrowhead collection, a piece of the Captain White trading oak tree, and a plaque marking the riverboat landing's historical significance. The Peter Bolton Room displays various farm, kitchen, and agricultural implements, along with dishes and handmade doll clothes from the W. C. Bolton home, and original wedding garments.

The Newbold Room, also known as the Frances Clark Room or Merchant's Room, contains a glass case featuring items from the Frances Clark family, including the 1828 sketchbook that Clark used for his tombstone carvings. Clark and his brother David arrived in Nauvoo around 1843 to assist in carving the sunstones and moonstones for the Temple. He also contributed to the Red Brick Store and stayed in Nauvoo after the exodus. Another display case features significant items from the funeral industry, including a sample miniature casket, a hearse cupola, and a funeral basket. Advertising materials and photographs of both past and present Nauvoo merchants and businesses can also be found here. In the back, there’s an archive of local church records, family histories, and historic manuscripts preserved for research. Additionally, 'Nauvoo: A History Featuring the Paintings of Lane K. Newberry' is available for sale at the Weld House, covering Nauvoo's complete timeline from Quashquema to present day, published by the Nauvoo Historical Society.

The Icarian Room houses the largest known collection of Icarian artifacts, allowing visitors to learn about Ettienne Cabet and his group of democratic socialists who made their home in Nauvoo. This unique collection, started by Icarian descendant Lillian Snyder, illustrates daily life in this vibrant society, showcasing dining chairs, a school desk, beds, and other artifacts. Remarkably, this one-of-a-kind collection includes pieces that were previously displayed at the Smithsonian. While exploring the museum, don’t forget to savor some Nauvoo blue cheese and check out the local Nauvoo glassworks for a taste of the area's artisanal craftsmanship.