Stone + Steeples: The Joliet Limestone Tour
May 31 @ 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Joliet, Illinois is a city where the past is carved in stone and the future is grounded in its heritage. Throughout the 19th Century, “Joliet Limestone” characterized grand public buildings and sacred spaces not only in Joliet, but throughout the State of Illinois and the greater Midwest.
Backed by popular demand, the Joliet Area Historical Museum (JAHM) in partnership with the City of Joliet Historic Preservation Commission is once again celebrating historic preservation month by offering a special thematic motorcoach tour on Saturday, May 31 entitled “Stone & Steeples” that showcases four historic Joliet limestone buildings. These structures not only highlight Joliet’s legacy of craftsmanship, community, and enduring design, but further define the City’s heritage as characterized by strong traditions of faith and worship.
· All Saints Greek Orthodox Church
· Saint Peter’s Lutheran Church
· University of St. Francis “Motherhouse”
· Bishop Hill Winery (Frederick Sehring Mansion)
Knowledgeable staff and docents will be on hand to share detailed histories of each location. Guests over 21 are encouraged to enjoy the award-winning wines served at Bishop Hill Winery, the last stop of the tour. In addition to their links to faith communities and congregations, the four structures selected are all part of the St. John’s neighborhood, among Joliet’s oldest settled areas. The tour builds on the grant-funded research completed during the St. John’s Historic Resource Survey project, overseen by the City of Joliet Historic Preservation Commission.
Saturday, May 31, 2025 at 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM. Meeting point: Joliet Area Historical Museum (JAHM), 204 N. Ottawa Street Joliet, IL 60432
