Glean insight into specific topics of Winnetka’s history through photographs, videos, articles and artifacts by exploring the pages below.
Winnetka Government Services
From fighting fires to administering clean, safe water, learn about the history of Winnetka’s Village government services.
Creative Conversions
The Village’s historic structures are sometimes preserved through thoughtful renovations. Learn about the ways in which some buildings, both residential and commercial, have found new life.
Winnetka’s Earliest Businesses
Learn more about the businesses that shaped early Winnetka and which ones are still thriving today.
Creative Winnetkans
Winnetkans have displayed talents in a number of different artistic arenas with much success. Learn more about the varied creative endeavors of Winetka’s artists and organizations.
Winnetka’s Oldest Houses
Winnetka has an impressive number of houses built before 1900 that still stand today. Learn the history about some of the Village’s oldest and most famous houses.
Winnetka and the Civil War
When the Civil War began in 1861, early Winnetka settlers felt called to fight. Learn about some fascinating Winnetkans who fought in the Civil War, risking and sometimes losing their lives for the Union cause.
Winnetka’s Historic Churches and Faith Based Groups
Explore Winnetka’s churches from the founding of the first church in 1869 to 20th century additions as parishioners of various faiths continued looking for new places to worship.
Winnetka’s Historic Mysteries, Murders, and Crimes
While Winnetka has long been considered an idyllic suburb, the Village has also known its fair share of mysteries, crimes, and even murders.
Winnetka’s Clubs and Organizations
From the Winnetka Literary Club, founded in 1875, to the 100 year-old Winnetka Fortnightly, learn about many of the historic clubs and organizations the Village has been home to.
Winnetka’s Long-term Businesses
Learn about some of the Village’s notable, long-lasting businesses and the people who helped make them a success.
Winnetka’s Extraordinary Women
From artists to authors to architects, Winnetka has been home to many notable women. Learn more about these extraordinary women and how they have made their mark on the Village’s history.
Martin Luther King Jr. and Civil Rights on the North Shore
On July 25, 1965, Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered a historic speech, on the Village Green in Winnetka, to a crowd of over 8,000. Read more about this historic event and its lasting impact.
Winnetka’s Architects and Architecture
For a Village of less than 4 square miles, Winnetka has an impressive array of architectural styles. Learn whose visionary designs helped make Winnetka the unique and architecturally significant village it is today.
Small Town Hollywood
View images of famous film locations around the Village and watch clips to see which of your favorite Winnetka sites are featured! Learn more about John Nash Ott and his contribution to film and science.
Hadley: A Shining Light for 100 Years
Hadley has helped thousands of blind and visually impaired individuals. Learn about the development of Hadley and how it contributed to Winnetka’s history.
Winnetka’s Shoreline
Explore the history of Winnetka’s popular shoreline and what’s being done to save our village’s beautiful beaches.
Honoring Winnetka’s Veterans WWI & WWII
Learn how the Winnetka community participated in the war effort, both at home and overseas.
Coming Together
See how Winnetkan’s have come together during the Influenza epidemic of 1918 and during the Coronavirus of 2020.
Skokie Lagoons &
Winnetka Future 2040
Explore how this unique nature preserve was created and also learn how Winnetka created a progressive engine of change in village planning.
Spring is Here!
Discover why Winnetka’s trendsetters chose their bonnets and see how the styles changed over time.
Fearless Firefighter
& Winnetka’s Progressive Era
Glean insights into the history of the Winnetka Fire Brigade and learn how Winnetka was transformed from a sleepy rural village into a forward-looking, modern suburb.