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: $3
17 & 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
The Museum would like to thank The Record Herald News and staff writer, Doris Elmore, for the beautiful write up they recently published about our Lego Event.
Doris took the time to come to our event and write a wonderful story about the Staley Office Building and our new Lego model created by Lauren Taylor.
If you haven’t stopped in yet to see it, please do!
Also, you are still in time to see the other Lego builds created by Decatur’s very own Dr. Bob Carney. Dr. Carney’s creations will be on display until the end of September. If you love Lego, you won’t want to miss this exhibit!
Staley Museum hours are Tuesday-Saturday 1-4 pm
Admission is $3 adult & $1 for 17 and under.
It is with great sadness that we join our sister museum in mourning the passing of Betty Wheatley.
While Betty spent her career at the Mueller Co., her husband, Tom, was a Staley man. Betty gave of herself and her time supporting not only these two museums, but many other cultural endeavors in our community.
Her smile, her heart and her joy for life will be greatly missed.
Our deepest condolences to her loved ones. ♥️
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Betty was such a delightful lady. We will truly miss her.
Missing her. I had the pleasure of knowing her in recent years, as we both attended PEO Supper Club regularly together. She touched so many lives.
I had the pleasure of her acquaintance. She was a sweet soul. I appreciated her common sense on many occasions.
Mr. Staley Was Here!
Dear friends and followers of Mr. Staley.
As summer comes to an end, so do Mr. Staley’s adventures and explorations of Local Decatur businesses.
He has been amazed at the changes he has found but also impressed in all that has been preserved.
He will be taking some time off now, but expects to show up here and there for special appearances.
Mr. Staley wishes to extend his thanks to everyone in the community for supporting local Businesses, local attractions and local history.
♥️Decatur
Shop Local♥️
Play local♥️
Support Local♥️
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Come see our newest model!
Visit during the month of September to also enjoy the smaller Lego kits that were displayed during our Beyond the Kit Lego event.
Open Hours:
Tuesday-Saturday 1-4PM
Last Sunday of the month, March-November only, 1-4PM
Admission: $3/adult, $1/child
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Mr. Staley Was Here!
There is no more iconic site or one that inspires more nostalgia for Decatur people near and far than Kreckel’s .
In particular, the original Kreckel’s on Rt. 36.
While Kreckel’s was established in 1949, the Rt. 36 location existed as “Dairy Maid” prior to becoming Kreckel’s Dairy Maid. Later other locations in Decatur and Springfield were added and family ownership has continued.
Their signature crispy edged hamburger has become a local favorite and for Decatur natives that have moved to other states or communities, it is a “ must have” when they come back for visits.
Mr. Staley applauds not only this local business’s longevity but the love and loyal following it has earned in our community.
Support Local! ♥️
Eat Local! 🍔😃
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