The Jacksonville Historical Society

Merrill House Tours & Rental

The Jacksonville Historical Society's Merrill House Museum is open every Thursday afternoon for tours, and scheduled group tours are offered all week long by appointment.

Since the Merrill History House opened in November 2005, this American Victorian museum house has presented tours for thousands of guests. The society’s museum house has been met with enthusiasm by the public, and it has also been recognized with a Historic Preservation Commission award.

The house interprets the life of the James Merrill family in 1903 Jacksonville and reveals the city’s story during the era.

The Merrill Museum House is for regular weekly tours from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. each Thursday, with the exception of major Thursday holidays. Society members are admitted free and non-member admission is $5.

Dozens of groups and organizations have scheduled tours on a variety of days by special appointment, with many groups also enjoying seated lunches in Old St. Andrews. Some groups opt to receive both special presentations and guided house tours. Among local organizations that have dined and toured are Garden Circles, the Fine Arts Forum, the DAR, the Jacksonville Genealogical Society, the Junior League Provisional Class, and numerous private parties.

Groups scheduling tours must include a minimum of six individuals. Lunch is also possible for groups ranging in numbers of six to 60. While most groups involve 20 to 30 individuals, which requires the use of Old St. Andrews as a lunch venue, one group of ten has scheduled lunch for the Merrill porch.

A recently launched plan for small and specialized gatherings allows lunch or dinner in the Merrill Museum dining room and drinks in the parlor.

“These one of a kind special events – dining in a museum exhibit – will serve as a unique way to celebrate an occasion or just enjoy a special lunch or dinner,” said Merrill Tour Chair Mary Anne Saadeh. “Renting the space also serves as a much needed fundraiser.”

Board member Mary Ann Saadeh has served as tour chair for the past year. She was recently joined by co-chair and board member Kay Staudt. While a series of tour guide training sessions has been held, sessions are available for other individuals who are interested in volunteering.

For information to volunteer, schedule a tour, schedule a lunch and tour, or arrange a very special dining event in the house, please contact Jerry Higingbotham at 665-0064.

Unique experience now available: Dine in a museum exhibit

Are you planning a birthday lunch for a special friend? Do you have coveted tickets for a special event at the arena across the street? Whatever your special occasion, consider dining in the Merrill History House in the midst of an actual museum exhibit.

The dining table seats eight and four additional diners can be seated at a small window table in the room. Approved beverages will be allowed in the double parlor prior to the dining experience.

Four local caterers have been approved for handling lunch, high tea, or dinner events in the Merrill Museum, and all renters are allowed to set their own menus and dining arrangements with their caterer.

Phone the Jacksonville Historical Society offices to find out more about this special use of the museum house, 665-0054.