Museum Reopening Plans

As the State of Illinois moves into Phase 4 of the Restore Illinois plan, we are excited to announce that we will reopen on Wednesday, July 15, 2020, by appointment only. Visitors will be able to tour exhibits including “Wilmette in Photographs: 1850-1950” and “Wilmette Women Breaking the Glass Ceiling,” as well as visit our research center.

Our plans prioritize the safety of our visitors and staff. Appointments will be made for Sundays – Thursdays, between 1:00 and 4:00 pm. No walk-ins, please. For further information and to make an appointment, please email the Museum at museum@wilmette.com, or call us at 847-853-7666. We have missed seeing the community at the Museum, and we look forward to welcoming you back!
Free Summer Family Fun Activity

Head out with your family on foot, bikes or in your car to follow a trail of clues around Wilmette and win a prize!  Kids aged 13 and younger who answer all the clues to solve this Wilmette history mystery will receive a coupon for a free individual pizza generously donated by Lou Malnati’s and be entered into a raffle for a prize from the museum gift shop. Families can pick up activity booklets outside the museum entrance or download them on this page. 
Porch Portraits Project Completed

We have received wonderful family portraits to add to our COVID-19 Collecting Project. A big thank you to photographer Rhonda Holcomb, without whose professional expertise and willingness to donate her time, this project would not have been possible. Thank you also to the many families who participated. They helped us tell the stories of families staying at home during the pandemic. Thank you to everyone for making this a fun community project!
Join Us in Documenting the Impact of COVID-19 in Wilmette

Some of the Wilmette Historical Museum’s most precious records are photographs, films, and journals from the past. As we all live through the COVID-19 outbreak, we’d like you to share your experiences with us in any media.  One day, we will all use these materials to remember this important event in history. All ages are welcome and encouraged to submit material. We also encourage people from all walks of life to submit, including people still working in essential services such as healthcare workers, restaurant workers, firefighters, and police. The amount of material and length of participation is up to you. Click here for more details and a portal to upload documents.
Take a Self-guided Walking Tour

Looking for a bit of fresh air, exercise, history and fun? Our three self-guided walking tours explore the history of Ridge Road, St. Joseph Cemetery, and our historic lakefront. As we transition to reopening to the public, please call the Museum to arrange to pick up these free booklets to enjoy. For those of you who are far away or would like to take them along on your phone, you can read and download our walking tours here.   Please remember to keep Wilmette safe by social distancing and wearing a mask.