The following story was published by River County News on June 28, 2026.

The Sangamon Experience at the University of Illinois Springfield is preserving Scott County’s history through a partnership with the Winchester Public Library and the Old School Museum to digitize rare historical records and artifacts, ensuring they remain accessible for future generations.

The effort is part of The Sangamon Experience’s Rural Initiative, which highlights a different rural Illinois county each year. This year’s focus is Scott County, established in 1839 and named for General Winfield Scott. Agriculture has long shaped the county’s economy, with Winchester serving as a center for commerce, government and community life.

UIS graduate student Syd Young is leading the digitization work, having already preserved 45 historical items from the Winchester Public Library. An additional 29 items from the Old School Museum are scheduled to be digitized in the coming months.

Read the story online.