Museum Struck by Lightning - Request for Support from Businesses

In late August, the Centralia Area Historical Museum was struck by lightning. “We do have some equipment and antennas up on the roof, and one of those was struck and it did a little damage,” says Mike Middleton, museum director. “What it did hit is very costly.”

The fire alarm and building alarm was damaged, it is up and running. Two computers were also damaged and will be replaced. “The elevator also got hit. The panel that runs everything did get fried. That is the case of older and obsolete equipment, once it gets fried, there’s not a repair for it,” added Middleton via their social media page.

The cost to replace the panel is extremely expensive. For those who would like to support the museum, Middleton asks that they join the museum as a member. They can also donate financial support to help repair the damaged equipment.

Dear Business Owner,

We invite your business to join or renew its membership with the Centralia Area Historical Museum for 2026-2027. Your support helps us preserve the history of Centralia and the surrounding area and keep our community's stories accessible for future generations.

Our business membership levels offer opportunities for recognition throughout the museum, our programs, and online. With annual memberships starting at $100, your business can choose the level of support and benefits that best fits your goals.

Join or renew online: https://cahmuseum.org/store/p/donation-monthly-mr7yh

Annual Membership Dinner

Please join us on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, beginning at 6:00 PM. We look forward to gathering with our members, sharing museum updates, and celebrating another year of preserving local history.

Your membership helps support: acquiring and preserving artifacts, building and maintaining exhibits, preservation of materials in the George Ross Library, educational programs and Speaker Series events, building maintenance and utilities, museum staffing, community outreach, and future museum projects.

Thank you for considering a business membership and helping preserve Centralia's stories for future generations.

Questions? cahsmil@gmail.com | (618) 545-0657 | 240 South Locust Street, Centralia, Illinois

Sincerely,

Centralia Area Historical Museum