The La Grange Area Historical Society is located in the Samuel Vial House, built in 1874. It was purchased by the La Grange Area Historical Society in 1984 for use as a community museum and research center. Inside the Vial House, the main floor is used to display a collection of period costumes. The second floor is used by the Archive and Research Committee for files, records, and storage. The group is funded by membership dues, fundraisers, and sales at their museum shop. Anyone who wants to know more about the area's history is free to join. Recently a ramp was built at the rear of the house to allow handicapped access.