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 […]
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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 […]
From Fixer-Upper to Community Treasure:
Categories: Gazette
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 […]
Bernice Van der Vries: Pioneer Lawmaker
Categories: Gazette
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 […]
Jungle Gym Turns 100
Categories: Gazette
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 […]
WHS Will Miss Longtime Board Member
Categories: Gazette
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, […]
Winnetka Woman’s Club: Decades of Giving Generously and Connecting Villagers
Appeared in the Spring/Summer 2023 Gazette by Holly Marihugh Dr. Alice Barlow Brown opened her door to host the first meeting of the Winnetka Woman’s Club on January 23, 1908, and only nine other women were present at the brand spanking new club. Dr. Barlow Brown went on to rescue and treat civilians in war-torn […]