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 that offers an engaging and educational experience for visitors of all ages. This meticulously preserved 19th-century house-turned-museum serves as a testament to the rich past of Northbrook and its surrounding areas. Let's delve into the captivating story of this historical gem.

Main Services

• Historical Exhibits: Immerse yourself in the fascinating history of Northbrook and its neighboring communities through an array of exhibits showcasing artifacts, photographs, and interactive displays.
• Educational Programs: The museum offers a variety of educational programs designed for students, including school tours, workshops, and special events that cater to different age groups and curriculum requirements.
• Research & Archives: Delve into the museum's extensive archives, which house an invaluable collection of documents, photographs, and oral histories that provide insights into the area's past.
• Thrift Store: Browse the museum's thrift store for an eclectic mix of donated items, offering a unique opportunity to find hidden treasures while supporting the museum's mission.
• Tours & Events: Join guided tours led by knowledgeable docents who bring the history of the Northfield Inn and the surrounding area to life. The museum also hosts various events throughout the year, such as lectures, workshops, and family-friendly activities.

Location and Access

The Northbrook History Museum is conveniently located at 1776 Walters Ave, Northbrook, IL 60062, United States, in the heart of the Northbrook Community. The museum is situated near the intersection of Walters Ave and Techny Rd, close to the Northbrook Public Library and the Northbrook Sports Center. The surrounding area is residential, with several parks and schools nearby.

Public transportation is available via the CTA Yellow Line (Union Pacific North Line) at the Homer Ave station, which is approximately a 15-minute walk from the museum. Several bus routes also serve the area, with stops within walking distance of the museum. For those traveling by car, the museum offers free on-site parking and free street parking nearby.

Featured Characteristics

• Historic Building: The museum is housed in the beautifully restored Northfield Inn, a 19th-century Italianate-style house that once served as a stopping point for travelers along the original Chicago-Detroit stagecoach route.
• Wheelchair Accessibility: The museum is committed to ensuring that all visitors can enjoy its exhibits and programs. Both the entrance and restrooms are wheelchair-accessible, and an elevator is available for access to the second floor.
• Gift Shop: Browse the museum's gift shop for an assortment of locally themed items, including books, postcards, and souvenirs that make perfect gifts or mementos of your visit.
• Family-friendly Amenities: The museum offers a welcoming and engaging environment for families with young children, featuring interactive exhibits, a children's activity area, and stroller-friendly paths throughout the museum.

Practical Information

The Northbrook History Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, and on Sundays from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Admission is free, although donations are welcome to support the museum's ongoing operations and programs. The museum can be reached by phone at 847-498-3404 or via email at [email protected]. For the latest information on exhibits, events, and programs, visit the museum's official website at northbrookhistory.org.

Positive Aspects from Reviews

With an average rating of 4.1/5 from 10 reviews on Google My Business, the Northbrook History Museum has received high praise from visitors for its engaging exhibits, knowledgeable staff, and commitment to preserving local history. Some of the positive aspects mentioned in the reviews include:

• Well-preserved and beautifully restored historic building
• Informative and engaging exhibits that cater to both adults and children
• Knowledgeable and friendly docents who provide insightful tours and answer questions
• Free admission, making the museum accessible to all visitors
• Convenient location and ample parking
• Attractive and well-maintained grounds, perfect for picnics or outdoor activities
• Variety of educational programs and events that enrich the visitor experience

Visitors have also commended the museum's efforts in preserving the history of Northbrook and its surrounding areas, as well as its dedication to sharing that history with the community through engaging and interactive exhibits.

👍 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