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About The Winnetka Historical Society

The Winnetka Historical Society was founded in 1932 by a group of engaged citizens who recognized the importance of preserving the history of the Winnetka community. WHS owns and operates two historic buildings in Winnetka. Our Museum and headquarters at 411 Linden Street houses exhibit and gallery space and is open for research, including the […]

Terms of Use

Terms and Conditions Agreement between User and www.winnetkahsitory.org Welcome to www.winnetkahsitory.org. The www.winnetkahsitory.org website (the “Site”) is comprised of various web pages operated by Winnetka Historical Society (“WHS”). www.winnetkahsitory.org is offered to you conditioned on your acceptance without modification of the terms, conditions, and notices contained herein (the “Terms”). Your use of www.winnetkahsitory.org constitutes your […]

A Sense of Place: Appreciating Winnetka’s Architectural Diversity

Discover homes built in varying styles that showcase the architectural diversity of the village and have created our unique “sense of place.” This presentation will focus on houses that exemplify 12 specific architectural styles and share fascinating stories about the notable people and historical events associated with them. Tickets $25 Presenters Dr. Meagan McChesney (WHS […]

The Schmidt-Burnham Log House, 2023.

From Fixer-Upper to Community Treasure:

by Joan Evanich The 1830s Schmidt Burnham Log House sat proudly at its new site on May 6, 2003. The move that day was an exhilarating success, but this was no time for WHS to rest on its laurels. The real work was about to begin in the pursuit to open the longest continuously occupied […]

Chicago Mayor Richard J. Daley and Bernice Van der Vries at a luncheon thrown in her
honor at the end of her service on the CTA Board, 1971.
Credit: Illinois Legislative Council.

Bernice Van der Vries: Pioneer Lawmaker

Bernice Van der Vries, unfamiliar to most Winnetkans today, is one of the Village’s unsung heroes. When she retired from the Illinois House of Representatives in 1955, journalists described her as “the cornerstone of good government” and “one of the hardest working and best known members of the legislature.” She was born in Kansas in […]

Children play on the jungle gym at North Shore Country Day School, undated. Credit: NSCDS.

Jungle Gym Turns 100

2023 marks 100 years since the patent was approved for the very first jungle gym invented by Winnetkan, Sebastian Hinton. Over the last century, the jungle gym’s popularity and reach are practically impossible to calculate. Nearly every child across the world has climbed on, crawled under, or fell off a jungle gym. The very first […]

Making the Movie Home Alone & Trivia Too

Enjoy a captivating docu-story on the making of the movie Home Alone and other films shot on the North Shore created by Winnetkan, John Newcombe. Hear scintillating stories from family members who lived in the house during the shoot, view never before seen footage taken by a neighbor, and hear from local actors and extras […]

Creating Communities: A History of the North Shore Exhibit

November 1st, – February 28th This travelling exhibit is currently on display at two locations: Community House Winnetka (620 Lincoln Ave.) and the Winnetka Public Library (768 Oak St.) Select topics are currently being exhibited at two locations. Visit both sites to learn about the area’s fascinating history! This exhibit is comprised of six topics […]

Christine Murdoch in docent’s clothing at the Log House opening, 2006.

WHS Will Miss Longtime Board Member

Appeared in the Spring/Summer 2023 Gazette by Helen Weaver After almost 20 years playing a variety of key roles longtime Winnetka Historical Society Board Member Christine Murdoch has hung up her WHS hat and retired from the board. Christine joined WHS in 2004, after the Schmidt Burnham Log House’s move to the Crow Island woods, […]