The Bethalto Historical Museum is housed in the former Village Hall. This building was erected around 1873 and enlarged in 1885. Long the center of community activity it once housed the police, fire and water departments and later the public library. The city’s tiny one room jail can still be seen today. The Museum contains exhibits on Bethalto’s past including the role of its citizens in World Wars I and II. Other exhibits include the founding of the town, the annual Homecoming Celebration, and a recreated classroom from the past.