Preserving Our Sense of Place

Elm Street, 1904.

Winnetka’s History

Since 1932, the Winnetka Historical Society (WHS) has been collecting and preserving artifacts and resource materials that tell stories of the village’s past. Without the WHS collections, much of Winnetka’s history would be lost.

The Museum & Headquarters at 411 Linden Street (c. 1859 Victorian Gothic style) houses over 30,000 artifacts. Most range from the time of the earliest permanent settlers in the 1830s through the present.

These artifacts help WHS achieve its mission to strengthen our community and increase civic pride by honoring and preserving the village’s heritage, gathering and sharing stories of its past, and fostering meaningful connections among Winnetkans and the broader community.

What Can You Do to Help?

Share information about significant people, places, and events in Winnetka’s history with WHS.

Donate items related to Winnetka’s history, such as house documents, telephone directories, diaries, and photographs.

Attend WHS’s programs to learn about important elements of Winnetka’s history and share with other residents.

Financially support the Winnetka Historical Society to help us continue to preserve and share our unique history.

William Otis was an architect who designed several significant structures in Winnetka, including Christ Church, the Greeley School, and his own family’s home at 644 Oak. Otis was also an avid scrapbooker, creating several books filled with photos and keepsakes related to his family, career, travels, and life in Winnetka. Click HERE to view a complete digitized version of one of Otis’ scrapbooks.

Page of architect William Otis’ scrapbook, 1898, which is preserved in the WHS collections.

Historic Structures

Winnetka’s history lies not only in the WHS archives but also in its built environment. Historic buildings help tell the stories of our past by maintaining elements of that past in the present.

The village’s distinct character and unique identity is rooted in its architectural diversity, which is continuously threatened as more historic structures are demolished.

While demolitions threaten the historic character of the village, many residents recognize the significance of historic structures and opt to restore and renovate architectural treasures. Their passion and care keeps history alive across Winnetka’s physical landscape.

What Can You Do to Help?

Nominate a historic home for local landmark status.

Apply to have a historic home added to the National Register of Historic Places.

Renovate or restore a historic structure.

Adapt historic commercial buildings for new uses.

Tell others about the history of historic structures in your area.

Attend the Village of Winnetka’s Landmark Preservation Commission’s meetings.

Share the history of your house with the Winnetka Historical Society.

Donate to organizations that promote historic preservation.

644 Oak Street, 1897.

644 Oak Street, 2023.



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