Research Assistance

ResearchLibrary

We are here for YOU! Whether you are a Winnetka resident, former resident, researcher, genealogist, local area teacher, student, or a casual internet user who happened upon our site, Welcome! As your local historical resource, we strive to provide a continuous, living record of Winnetka’s past.

The Research Library at 411 Linden Street is open to the public by appointment: Monday-Thursday 11-4pm.  

For research requests and questions. Please fill out the research request form, call 847.446.0001 or send an email to Meagan McChesney curator@winnetkahistory.org.

Request Form

 

We have several resources available to the public for on-site research at 411 Linden, including:

Photograph Collection

Photocopies of our extensive photograph collection can be browsed by visitors. The photographs collection is useful for researching how streetscapes, buildings, and Village traditions have changed overtime. They can also be used for genealogy research as the collection includes many photos of past residents, especially government officials, business owners, municipal workers, and artists.

Image use policy

Archives

Archives collections that include the papers and records of Winnetka people, businesses, and organizations may be accessed with advanced notice. Finding Aids are available at the museum.

House Files

We have a house file on most houses in Winnetka. These may include old real estate listings, photographs, and other interesting information about your house. Start Researching Your Winnetka Property today!

Reference Files

Reference files are typically the starting point for researchers. The files are arranged by Winnetka-related subject such as organizations, businesses, and people important to the history of Winnetka. They include newspaper clippings, articles, brochures, secondary research and other relevant information about the subject.

Telephone Directories

Old directories may help you find out where an ancestor lived. WHS has directories dating from 1904 – 1980s. A few are available online here.

Reference Library

We have a small collection of books on Winnetka and other local subjects that may help you in your research.

Newspapers / Serials Collections

Winnetka Talk – Winnetka’ s local newspapers, a full run from 1923-Present, as well as some issues of the Winnetka Weekly Talk dating back to 1917.

The Messenger – Before the Winnetka Talk, the provided the news for the community.

The North Shore News – an historical newspaper with new of the North Shore, issues from 1893-1896.

Winnetka Historical Society Gazette – all articles from our bi-annual publication about Winnetka history are available in the Gazette section of this site.