This two-part, self-guided audio tour will bring you outside the homes of some of Wilmette’s notables starting with film star Ann-Margret and ending with professional makeup artist and entrepeneur Bobbi Brown. At each stop, you will learn a bit about a local celebrity’s life in Wilmette. Enjoy the tour by car or bicycle or, if you are ambitious, on foot. Each tour is around 4 miles in length. If you are walking and need to return to your car at the starting point, be sure to takes this additional distance into account. You can listen to Part 1 and Part 2 of the audio tour here.
Wilmette Local Legends Audio Tour
Can You Solve This History Mystery? Vol. 2
Put on your detective caps for another Wilmette History Mystery! Grab your family to follow a new trail of clues on foot, bikes or in your car, tracking down a bit of local history and answering clues that solve this summer's history mystery. Booklets are available at the Museum entrance and the Youth Services Department at the Wilmette Public Library or to download from our website here until August 12th. Successful sleuths aged 13 or younger 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!
Auto Historica XVII
The popular Auto Historica vintage car show is returning this year on Sunday, September 12th from 12 to 3 PM! Cruise on over to the Wilmette Historical Museum to check out classic American and foreign cars from the 1960s on display. Our "Rockin' the 60s" themed event will include a 1962 Alfa Romeo 2000, a 1964 Ford Mustang (the first model year), a 1969 Mercury Cyclone Spoiler "Cale Yarborough Special," and an Amphicar, the miraculous amphibious car that could travel on both land and water. Admission is free! Bring the kids and stroll around at your leisure. A special thank you to Wilmette Auto Body for sponsoring this year's event.
Visit the Museum!
Jerome Gilson recently made an appointment and stopped by the Museum to see our new lobby exhibit, a tribute to his wife, the late Jamie Gilson, beloved children’s author and long-time Wilmette resident. The photo was taken by Matthew Gilson.
We are currently open on Sundays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, 1:00 - 4:30 pm. Appointments are now only needed to do research. Like the Gilsons, we hope you will come by and visit! In addition to the new lobby exhibit honoring Jamie Gilson, we have a small new exhibit on puzzles and games and many ongoing exhibits. We are following the current State and Village of Wilmete COVID guidelines.
