The Wilmette Historical Museum is dedicated to exploring, preserving, and sharing the lively history of Wilmette and its surroundings on the North Shore of Chicago. Located in a beautiful 1896 landmark building at 609 Ridge Road in Wilmette, the Museum is operated by the Wilmette Historical Society, a volunteer organization, and by the Village of Wilmette. If you or your family have a connection to this area, we encourage you to join the Society. Joining supports the work of the Museum and brings you many benefits.
This website is a good place to begin finding out more about both the Museum and this area's past. You can learn more about our programs, collections and exhibits. Here, too, you can find out about how to research local homes, families, and history.
Still, there is no substitute for a visit to the Museum itself to explore the building and exhibits, attend lively programs, use the research room, and talk with the staff. Come visit us soon! We are open Sunday through Thursday, 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Upcoming Programs
Join us on Sunday, May 18 for our 2008 Spring Housewalk. History has always played a key role in our choice of homes, and this year is no different. Visit a Art Deco lakefront estate, a stunningly transformed 1870s home, a Sheridan Road gem from the 1920s, and, new this year, a private club. View/Print Housewalk RSVP Form (PDF) and reserve your spot today.
Other spring programs include our Historical Museum Open House on May 4, and our History Book Club meeting on April 30.
For more information about these and other events, please visit our Upcoming Programs page.
Past Programs
Visit Past Programs to learn about some of our recent events and to view photos from those programs.
Questions? Call us at (847)853-7666. Find our other contact information here.
Aerial view of Wilmette's lakefront, circa 1955. Wilmette Harbor, the Bahai Temple, the U.S. Coast Guard station and the North Shore Sanitary Channel are visible.