The Guild is a not-for-profit organization incorporated in 1968, dedicated to promote interest in the arts, crafts and culture of early Illinois. It sponsors Folk Life Festivals at the Clayville Tavern near Pleasant Plains, Illinois and operated a crafts shop and other activities there.

Articles of incorporation, by-laws, statement of purpose, master plans, interpretive guidelines, membership lists and list on contributors to the tavern restoration. Also included are agreements and contracts with Dr. Emmet Pearson and the Sangamon State University Foundation, and correspondence of William Sausaman, Marianna Sausaman, Dr. Emmet Pearson, and other guild members regarding their participation in the the spring and fall festivals, other special events, and the operation of the crafts shop. Also included are publications of the Guild, the Clayville Courier and The Whig (July 1968-June 1992), pamphlets, brochures, photographs, posters, and articles describing the activities of the Guild. Scrapbooks (1966-1992) containing advertisements, newspaper clippings, correspondence, and printed material are also included.