Northbrook History Museum - Northbrook, Illinois

Introduction

The Northbrook History Museum, situated at 1776 Walters Ave, Northbrook, IL 60062, is a treasure trove of local history, offering a unique glimpse into the past of this charming Chicago suburb. This meticulously preserved museum is a testament to the dedication and passion of the Northbrook Historical Society, founded in 1975, and its late president, Judy Hughes, who played a pivotal role in preserving the area's rich heritage.

Main Services

• The primary service offered by the Northbrook History Museum is the preservation and presentation of local history through a variety of engaging exhibits.

• Exhibits: The museum houses a collection of artifacts, documents, and photographs that tell the story of Northbrook and its surrounding areas, from the late 18th century to the present day. The exhibits are continually updated to ensure that visitors receive a comprehensive and up-to-date understanding of the region's history.
• Educational Programs: The museum offers educational programs for school groups, providing students with an interactive and immersive learning experience. These programs align with state and national history standards and can be tailored to specific classroom needs.
• Special Events: The Northbrook History Museum hosts various special events throughout the year, including lectures, workshops, and family-friendly activities. These events aim to engage the community in the appreciation and understanding of local history.
• Research Services: The museum's heritage center archives and offices provide access to a wealth of historical resources, including genealogy records, for those interested in conducting their own research.
• Virtual Tours: Coming soon, the museum will offer virtual tours, allowing those unable to visit in person to explore the exhibits and learn about Northbrook's history from the comfort of their own homes.

Location and Access

The Northbrook History Museum is conveniently located in the heart of Northbrook, just off the Edens Expressway (I-94) and near the Metra North Central Service railway station. The museum is easily accessible by car, with on-site parking available, and street parking nearby. The building is also wheelchair-accessible, with a dedicated parking spot and entrance, ensuring that the museum is enjoyable for all visitors.

Featured Characteristics

• One of the most striking features of the Northbrook History Museum is the building itself, the historic Northfield Inn. Constructed in the late 1800s, this beautifully restored house-turned-inn offers visitors a unique opportunity to step back in time and experience what life was like in Northbrook during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

• Exhibit Themes: The museum's exhibits explore a wide range of themes, including the area's Native American history, the settlement and development of Northbrook, the role of the Northfield Inn, local agriculture, and the impact of transportation and industry on the region. Each exhibit is carefully curated to provide a well-rounded and engaging understanding of Northbrook's past.
• Interactive Displays: To make history come alive, the Northbrook History Museum incorporates interactive displays into its exhibits. These hands-on elements allow visitors to engage with history in a meaningful and memorable way.
• Gift Shop: The museum's gift shop offers a variety of historically themed merchandise, including books, postcards, and souvenirs, providing visitors with the opportunity to take a piece of Northbrook history home with them.

Practical Information

The Northbrook History Museum is open to the public Tuesday through Saturday, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, and on Sundays from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Admission to the museum is free, although donations are welcome and help support the continuation of its important work. The museum can be reached by phone at 847-498-3404 and via its website at northbrookhistory.org. The museum also maintains an active presence on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube, providing updates on exhibits, events, and general news.

Positive Aspects from Reviews

• With an average rating of 4.1/5 from 10 reviews on Google My Business, the Northbrook History Museum has been widely praised for its engaging and well-curated exhibits, with visitors appreciating the opportunity to learn about the area's rich history in an interactive and enjoyable setting.

• Historical Significance: Many reviewers have highlighted the museum's dedication to preserving and presenting Northbrook's history, with one visitor noting, "It's amazing to see how much history is packed into this little museum. You can really see how Northbrook has evolved over the years."
• Engaging Exhibits: Several reviewers have praised the museum's interactive exhibits, with one family commenting, "The kids loved the hands-on displays, and we all learned so much about Northbrook's history. We'll definitely be back!"
• Knowledgeable Staff: Many visitors have commended the museum's staff for their expertise and enthusiasm, with one reviewer noting, "The volunteers here are so knowledgeable and clearly passionate about Northbrook's history. They really brought the exhibits to life."
• Free Admission: Several reviewers have mentioned the free admission as a major selling point, with one visitor commenting, "What a gem! We can't believe we didn't visit sooner. And the fact that it's free makes it even better!"

👍 Reviews of Northbrook History Museum

Levi M.

5/5

Really fascinating museum, it’s an original house/ inn from the late 1800s beautifully restored. With so many interesting tidbits of the history of Northbrook. Downstairs they have maps of all the landowners of Northbrook from 1875, upstairs is the house restored from what it could have looked like like in 1906. Truly incredible blast from the past!

Esther F.

5/5

This is a nice little museum about the history of Northbrook. The museum is located inside a former inn. Each room focuses on a different aspect of Northbrook's history. The upstairs is still furnished with beds and furniture to replicate what it would have been like in the past. What made this museum especially great were the volunteers. I received an 1+ tour of the entire building with a very knowledgeable and enthusiastic volunteer. There is some signage throughout the museum, but if you visit, I highly recommend a personal tour.

James K.

5/5

The Northbrook Historical Society offers a fascinating glimpse into the history of the area. The exhibits are well-curated and informative.

Kati S.

5/5

Not many towns have a historical building devoted to the history of their town. Neat place to learn about the beginnings of the town!

Cynthia S.

3/5

My ancestors are the people Sanders Road & Winkelmann is named after. But, unfortunately, the library has no information, no database connected to the newspapers of that area, like other communities have. They rely on the historical society to gather information. I found no information from the historical society that I hadn’t already gotten from Ancestry!
It’s sad! I have so many pictures of Winkelmann & Sander to share. But not with a society that doesn’t know anything. They should take a lesson from Palatine, Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin or Warren, Iowa-other communities that I was very successful finding information. ALL library based.

Kim H.

3/5

Cute little consignment shop tucked in the back of a house built in the late 1800s.

Kimberly C.

4/5

Love looking around at Shermerville history and visiting the gift shop.

Daniel C.

5/5

Look at history of Northbrook