Hume-Carnegie Museum
Tour the Hume-Carnegie Museum
The museum building was constructed in 1904, one of 2509 libraries built in the U.S in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries with money donated by philanthropist Andrew Carnegie. In 1996, after a complete restoration, it was re-opened as the Hume-Carnegie museum. It was made possible by funds donated by Mr. Horace Hume, a local businessman and entrepreneur who also built the replacement library.
Where Our Paths Meet: Journeys to Mendota is a look back at the families who made the long journey from Mexico to Mendota. Click below to watch our documentary highlighting the experiences of five families.
For the 250th Anniversary of the reading of the Declaration of Independence, we worked with the Graves-Hume Public Library, the City of Mendota, and the Fort du Rocher Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution to create our own reading of the historic document. Click below to watch our attempt at recapturing that 1776 magic.
Books "Wild Bill Hickok", "150 Years of Mendota", and other titles are available for purchase.
Hume-Carnegie Museum is Handicap Accessible
The Wild Bill Hickok Display
Memorabilia, artifacts, photographs, and books highlight the fascinating life of a man of local origin. He was a stagecoach driver, soldier, scout, lawman, gambler, showman, actor, and reputed to be deadly with a gun. Wild Bill got his name because of the many gunfights in which he was involved.
Photos & Documents
On display are photographic and document collections tracing the history of Mendota and the surrounding area as well as the growth of the community through the years.
The Music Room Display
The grand piano, said to have been played by a Wild Bill relative, is one of a number of musical instruments on display. A pump organ, a Victrola phonograph, and other instruments are also part of the exhibit.
Pendulum Clock
A pendulum clock made in the 1800's in Germany was used by train conductors to check the time on their pocket watches to maintain train schedules.