The Print Shop was constructed in the mid-1990s after the now-defunct Carlinville Democrat newspaper donated a Chandler and Price printing press, a Linotype typesetting machine, and a large paper cutter. The paper cutting was stored outside for a few years and deteriorated beyond repair and the Linotype was stored in a garage where many of the delicate parts corroded. The press, however, dating to 1907, has been restored and now operates throughout the year. The Linotype has been replaced with a 1922 Intertype, making MCHS one of about 200 locations nationwide that has a working line casting machine onsite. The Print Shop also recently acquired a Heidelberg windmill press built in 1957.

          All materials printed at the Print Shop are produced using letterpress technology, a largely obsolete printing method that virtually vanished in the late 1960s and. Early 1970s. Simply put, the printers print from a raised surface that is first inked, then impressed onto a piece of paper. Some printed pieces are printed from etched plates, but much of what is produced in the Print Shop is printed from type set on the Intertype and/or hand set from more than 100 cases of handset type in the shop.

          Siding on the existing building was milled at the MCHS sawmill. Two milk-globe hanging light fixtures were salvaged from the former Carlinville South School.

          The shop is available for custom work, such as hand-printed wedding invitations and stationery, business cards or letterheads. Some of the printed materials distributed by the Historical Society are produced at the shop.

          At Christmas, the shop traditionally produces hand printed Christmas cards using a laborious process that requires multiple press runs to achieve multiple colors.