Step inside the Turnbull Heritage Museum — where community, history, and legacy live on.
The Turnbull Heritage Museum stands as a place of remembrance — a space where our community’s history, care, and craftsmanship are preserved for generations to come.
Housed in the former Turnbull Funeral Home, the museum honors a family who served western Illinois with care and dignity for over a century. The Turnbull story began in 1884 with David and Ada Stevenson Turnbull, pioneers in funeral service. Ada later earned Illinois Embalmer’s License #804 in 1901—a rare achievement for a woman of her time.
Today, the museum is lovingly cared for by John Turnbull, a lifelong funeral director who continues his family’s 140-year tradition of service by preserving these artifacts and stories for the community that shaped them. Visitors are invited to step inside, reflect, and remember the generations who dedicated their lives to caring for others.
Many items appear exactly as they were when retired—unrestored, authentic, and full of story.
…and many other pieces that place you right inside the work of those years.
This is local history, lovingly kept. The Turnbull Heritage Museum exists so our community can remember the people, places, and practices that shaped Warren County life. It’s our way of giving back—opening the doors so neighbors, students, and visitors can learn how care, craft, and faith carried families through grief.
Here are a few quick answers before your visit. If you don’t find what you’re looking for, just give us a call — we’d be happy to help.
The museum doesn’t have fixed hours, but it’s open whenever we’re here. We encourage visitors to call ahead to make sure the lights are on before stopping by.
There’s no cost to visit. The museum is a gift back to the community. Donations are appreciated, and any contributions go directly toward upkeep and local taxes.
The collection started from artifacts the Turnbull family used in their funeral service business, dating back to 1884. In 2018, these items were gathered into the Turnbull Heritage Museum so the community could share in its history.
Yes. We welcome small groups, classes, or local history clubs. Just call ahead or fill out the short tour request form to schedule a time.
Most of the pieces remain exactly as they were used and retired—unrestored but carefully preserved. It’s part of what makes the museum so authentic.
The museum is privately owned and cared for by John Turnbull, a lifelong funeral director continuing his family’s 140-year tradition of service to this community.
We’d love to hear from you. Whether you have questions about the museum, would like to schedule a visit, or simply wish to learn more about the Turnbull family’s local legacy, we’re happy to help. This museum was created to share our community’s history — and your interest helps keep that story alive.
—John Turnbull
