Northbrook History Museum - Northbrook, Illinois

Introduction

The Northbrook History Museum, nestled at 1776 Walters Ave in Northbrook, Illinois, is a treasure trove of local history, offering a unique glimpse into the past of this charming Chicago suburb. The museum, operated by the Northbrook Historical Society, is housed in the beautifully restored 1890s Northfield Inn, providing an authentic and immersive historical experience.

Main Services

• Museum Exhibits: The museum hosts a variety of exhibits that showcase Northbrook's rich history, from its early days as a Native American settlement to its evolution into a vibrant modern community. These interactive and informative displays include artifacts, photographs, and multimedia presentations.
• Educational Programs: The Northbrook History Museum offers a range of educational programs for schools and community groups. These programs include guided tours, hands-on activities, and workshops that bring history to life for students of all ages.
• Heritage Center Archives & Offices: The Heritage Center houses the Northbrook Historical Society's archives and offices. Here, visitors can research local history, access genealogical records, and learn about the society's ongoing preservation efforts.
• Virtual Tours (coming soon!): The museum is currently developing virtual tours to make its exhibits accessible to a wider audience. Once launched, these tours will allow visitors to explore the museum from anywhere in the world.
• Thrift Store: The museum operates a thrift store on-site, selling gently used items to raise funds for its operations and programs. The store is a popular destination for bargain hunters and those seeking unique, vintage pieces.

Location and Access

The Northbrook History Museum is conveniently located in the heart of Northbrook, just off the Edens Expressway (I-94) at the Dundee Road exit. The museum is situated in the historic district, surrounded by beautiful homes and tree-lined streets. The address is 1776 Walters Ave, Northbrook, IL 60062.

Public transportation options include the Metra Union Pacific North Line's Northbrook station, which is approximately a 15-minute walk from the museum. Several bus routes also serve the area, with stops nearby.

Parking is available on-site and is free of charge. The museum's lot is wheelchair-accessible, and there is also free street parking available in the surrounding neighborhood.

Featured Characteristics

• Historic Building: The museum is housed in the Northfield Inn, a historic building that was constructed in 1891 and served as an inn and post office for the early settlers of Northfield Township. The inn was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1985 and has been carefully restored to preserve its original charm.
• Wheelchair Accessibility: The Northbrook History Museum is committed to ensuring that its facilities are accessible to all visitors. The building is wheelchair-accessible, with a ramp leading to the entrance and an elevator providing access to the second floor. Wheelchair-accessible restrooms are also available.
• Gift Shop: The museum's gift shop offers a variety of items for sale, including books, postcards, and souvenirs related to Northbrook's history. Proceeds from gift shop sales support the museum's operations and programs.
• Tours: The Northbrook History Museum offers guided tours of its exhibits and the historic Northfield Inn. Tours can be arranged in advance for groups of all sizes and are led by knowledgeable and enthusiastic museum staff.
• Family-Friendly and Good for Kids: The museum is an excellent destination for families with children, offering a variety of hands-on and interactive exhibits that make history fun and engaging for young learners. The museum also hosts special events and programs designed specifically for children and families.

Practical Information

The Northbrook History Museum is open to the public on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Admission is free, although donations are welcome. The museum asks that visitors call ahead to confirm hours and availability, as they may change due to special events or holidays.

The museum can be contacted by phone at 847-498-3404 or via email at [email protected]. The museum's website, northbrookhistory.org, provides detailed information about the museum's exhibits, programs, and events, as well as virtual tours and educational resources.

The Northbrook History Museum is also active on social media, with profiles on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. These platforms provide up-to-date information about the museum's exhibits, events, and programs, as well as behind-the-scenes looks at the historic Northfield Inn and the museum's ongoing preservation efforts.

Positive Aspects from Reviews

Visitors to the Northbrook History Museum consistently praise its engaging and well-curated exhibits, as well as the knowledgeable and friendly staff. The museum's commitment to accessibility and its family-friendly atmosphere are also frequently highlighted in reviews.

Many visitors are impressed by the museum's historic setting, with one reviewer commenting, "The Northbrook History Museum is a hidden gem. The historic building is beautiful, and the exhibits are fascinating." Another visitor raved about the museum's interactive displays, saying, "The exhibits are well-designed and engaging, especially for kids. We learned so much about Northbrook's history, and had a great time doing it."

The museum's educational programs and events are also highly regarded, with one reviewer noting, "The Northbrook History Museum offers fantastic educational programs for schools. Our class had a wonderful time on our field trip, and we learned so much."

The Northbrook History Museum's thrift store is another popular attraction, with visitors praising its selection of gently used items and bargain prices. One reviewer said, "The thrift store at the Northbrook History Museum is a treasure trove. I found some amazing vintage pieces, and the prices are unbeatable."

Overall, visitors to the Northbrook History Museum consistently praise its engaging exhibits, knowledgeable staff, and commitment to accessibility and education. The museum's historic setting and family-friendly atmosphere make it an excellent destination for visitors of all ages.

👍 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