In September 1966, an enthusiastic group of people gathered at the Shawneetown Courthouse to organize the Gallatin County Historical Society. Many people realized the county had a rich heritage to be researched and preserved but it took Opal Dietz, Shawneetown historian, and Evadeen Coleman to put together the first organizational meeting. J. Robert Smith, Carmi historian, was the featured speaker of the evening. Lucille Lawler was elected the first president. The society received the Illinois State Award for Excellence that year when a record number of members, 465, were signed in nine months.

Others who have served as president during the organization's existence: Patrick Scates Jr., Jess Ann Logsdon, Ethel Wooley, Joel M. Harrell, Mary West, Robert G. Hold, Thomas Brewer, Larry Fillingim, Sammie Gentry, Ron Wilson, Bill Rister Arthur Heath, Patrick and current President Janet Householder.