Peoria, Illinois: The Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen Museum
About Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen:
Fulton Sheen was ordained a priest of the Diocese of Peoria, Illinois, in 1919. An outstanding preacher, he is perhaps best remembered for his Emmy award-winning television show, “Life is Worth Living”, which ran from 1951 to 1957 (and was #1 in its time slot), and then another show “The Fulton Sheen Program”, from 1961 to 1968. Even today, you will find re-runs of the show on EWTN radio and television.
There is much more to the story of his life, and the museum here provides an excellent look at all aspects of his ministry.
He always had a special connecting point in the adjacent Diocesan Historical Museum which rotates yearly exhibits from the history of the Diocese of Peoria
About the Museum:
Newly-built and opened in 2008, the Sheen Museum, maintained by the Archbishop Fulton John Sheen Foundation and staffed by the Franciscan Sisters of John the Baptist, displays a wide variety of artifacts from the Archbishop’s life which are housed in several collections:
- Man of Others
- Man of the Church
- Man of Media
Some of the artifacts of Fulton Sheen here in the museum - The Cause
- Man of Peoria
- Man of Prayer
- Saint For the Future
The exhibit includes writings, books, photos, a selection of authentic items which belonged to Fulton Sheen, such as his vestments and Episcopal regalia, and many other artifacts displayed through the generosity of various donors. The Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen Museum is dedicated to maintaining a museum where Sheen’s lifework is available for all to see. In this single, central location the artifacts from his life are preserved and shared with the world in a manner worthy of this notable and holy man of God.
In addition, a comfortable large-screen TV corner with Fulton Sheen’s programs is a favorite spot of many visitors, where a bestselling movie “Archbishop Fulton Sheen-Servant of All” is available for viewing as well as for purchase. Prayer cards, informational material and literature by and about Fulton Sheen is offered.
Families with young children will welcome the special Children’s Corner with our own free Fulton’s coloring Book (take more!) and most interesting diocese-grown Sheen Curriculum for grade-school students.
On-site gift shop offers large selection of religious books, audio/video, framed art, devotionals, and gift items hand-made by the Sisters who staff the museum.
The museum if free of charge, and operate on the generosity of its visitors. We encourage visitors to consider a free-will donation for the general upkeep of the museum, it would be greatly appreciated.
Traveling to the Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen Museum:
The museums are open Monday-Friday from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. If you wish to book a tour, please check the ‘Contact us’ page for list of days we are closed for holidays.
Only one block away stands the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception, where young Fulton Sheen learned to serve Mass and was ordained a priest on September 20, 1919. Having been beautifully restored in 2016, the cathedral is also a major point of interest for travelers to Peoria and as a great pilgrimage destination.
To help with carrying out the mission and for the general museum upkeep, please consider a donation, it would be greatly appreciated.
To book a tour and find out more details and options (such as popular catered lunch with movie), please contact Sister Lea Stefancova, FSJB, at Archives@cdop.org or by phone at 309-671-1550.
Address: Spalding Pastoral Center, 419 NE Madison Avenue, Peoria, IL 61603
Tel: +1 (309) 671-1550
email: Archives@cdop.org
Click here for the official website of the Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen Museum in Peoria, Illinois
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