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The Staley Museum

361 N. College St., Decatur, IL 62522

Historic Sites

A.E. Staley was a big man with big dreams and had the determination to make those dreams a reality. Although he did not arrive on the scene until the 1900’s, his impact of Decatur was such that he is counted as one of the founding fathers.

The Staley Museum opened its doors to the public during the summer of 2015. It was A.E.’s pioneering vision in the area of soybeans, both the cultivation and processing, that gave Decatur the name “Soybean Capitol of the World.”

In the period of one decade, 1920-1930, A.E. Staley made significant contributions to the community of Decatur, being the driving force behind the creation of Lake Decatur, the Staley viaduct, the Staley Office Building, and the formation of the Decatur Staleys football club, later to become the Chicago Bears.

The story of A.E. Staley is one in which the city of Decatur has the right to feel great pride. It is a story which forms a major part in the industrial and agricultural history of central Illinois. Illinois 250

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  • Mon: Closed
  • Tue: 1:00pm – 4:00pm
  • Wed: 1:00pm – 4:00pm
  • Thu: 1:00pm – 4:00pm
  • Fri: 1:00pm – 4:00pm
  • Sat: 1:00pm – 4:00pm
  • Sun: Closed

Admission $3.00 for adults, $1.00 children 17 and under.

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