Museums of the Diocese of Peoria, The Princeville Connection

One of our favorite jobs here at the Princeville Heritage Museum is helping people with research. We receive many requests by phone, email and in person for help with not only genealogy research questions but also for help researching local events, buildings, land ownership, etc.  Not long ago, on a quiet afternoon, the phone rang and it was Sister Lea Stefancova, FSJB from the Museums of the Diocese of Peoria.

Sister Lea was researching the story of a priest, Father Edward Schuetz, who died in a car accident in rural Princeville in 1916.  Father Schuetz and Father Shannon were accompanying Bishop Dunne on a trip to Princeville.  Bishop Dunne was on his way to celebrate the sacrament of Confirmation at St. Mary of the Woods Parish.

The Diocesan Museum in Peoria has a special exhibit featuring Father Schuetz's story on display through the end of the year.  Last week, we visited the museum to see the exhibit and meet Sister Lea.  Sister Lea shared with us the graphics displayed at the museum regarding the accident so we could share it with you on this blog.  A big thank you to the warm reception we received and we hope to visit again soon!

Small museums like the Princeville Heritage Museum and the Museums of the Diocese of Peoria are real gems with a wealth of history and information.  In your travels, I urge you to make time and stop at small, local museums.  Furthermore, please bring your family and friends to the Princeville Heritage Museum when they are in town visiting.

The Diocesan Museum is located at 419 NE Madison, Peoria, (309)671-1550.  You can also visit their Facebook page (click for link).

Below are the graphics and a few photos from our visit.

Funeral Bill for Fr. Schuetz

Part of the display about Fr. Schuetz's accident.  His family has donated his sick call box which is on display along with other items.