Collections

Storage of our collection at 411

The collections of the Winnetka Historical Society reflect and document the growth and development of the Village since the 1830s and include archives, photographs, artifacts, and costumes. Our photograph collection is perhaps the most popular element of our collection, numbering over 3,000 photographs and negatives dating back to the 1880s. Currently, our collections are not available online, but we are in the process of a digitization project with the goal of publishing our catalog within the next 5 years.

Click Here to access our Online Collection

If you are interested in donating an item to the collection, please call the museum at 847-446-0001 or email the curator at curator@winnetkahistory.org.

Archives
Our archives contain the personal papers of Winnetka residents and families, and the records of local businesses and organizations. We also maintain a collection of oral history interviews of current and former residents.

Photographs
Our photograph collection is comprised of several thousand photographs documenting the history and development of Winnetka.

Image use policy

Artifacts
Our artifact collection includes the everyday items and unique treasures that tell the story of Winnetka’s past. Artifacts in the collection include everything from Native American arrowheads to a door from the Lady Elgin to blueprints of Winnetka homes.

Costumes
Our costume collection is comprised of several hundred costumes and textiles owned and worn by local residents, including dresses, uniforms, and play clothes dating back to the 1830s.