Join us in Peru, Illinois!
Welcome to the
Peru Historical Society
The Peru Historical Society is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to the preservation, research, dissemination, & celebration of the rich history of Peru, Illinois.
Help Tell Peru’s Story
Submit memories, timelines, essays, photos, research, or family histories.
The House on the Bluff
A house is more than its walls—it is also the story of the people who built it, lived within it, and left their mark upon it. The House on the Bluff follows the remarkable history of the landmark home at 615 Plum Street through changing owners, family lives, financial struggles, legal disputes, renovations, and the passage of time. Drawing upon deeds, newspapers, family records, photographs, and other historical sources, the book uncovers the many human stories held within one of Peru’s most recognizable historic homes.
Copies will also be sold at Peru Historical Society monthly meetings at the following prices (includes tax):
$20 non-member
$15 member
Latest News
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October 2026 Meeting
Join us on October 27, 2026, at 6:30 pm at Peru City Hall to hear about Captain John L. McCormick, an early settler in Peru.…
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Above Ground for Eternity: A Coal Miner’s Wish
Visitors to Peru City Cemetery may have noticed the impressive stone mausoleum bearing the name WHITTLE. With its stately columns and substantial stonework, it looks…
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The Packer and Whittle Families: From the Coal Mines to a Lasting Legacy
The Whittle mausoleum in Peru City Cemetery has an unusual history. Although it bears the Whittle family name, its construction was financed by William Packer,…
Support Our Work
Help the Peru Historical Society preserve, research, and share the history of Peru. We welcome charitable gifts, including donations made through donor-advised funds.