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Tuesday 9am - 5pm Friday 9am - 5pm

Kenilworth Historical Society

Name: Kenilworth Historical Society
Address: 415 Kenilworth Avenue, Kenilworth, IL, 60043, US
Telephone: (847) 251-2565
Price range: $

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Kenilworth Historical Society

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The Kenilworth Historical Society was founded in 1922 to preserve and present the history of Kenilworth, IL.

In addition to presenting Kenilworth’s history through exhibits and programs, the Historical Society preserves the community history by maintaining two and three-dimensional objects, archives and general reference files. The Society has over 1,200 three-dimensional objects and nine linear feet of photographs that curators utilize to interpret the past. The General Reference files provide information about community groups such as the Garden Clubs, Girl and Boy Scouts, local churches, architectural data and individual homes, including some National Register and Frank Lloyd Wright homes. Records from the Kenilworth Company, the Village, the Joseph Sears School, and the Joseph Sears Family constitute the majority of the Society’s archival holdings. The Library contains a variety of holdings pertaining to Kenilworth, Chicago, Illinois, Gardens, and Historic Preservation.

10/19/2026

Did you reserve your tickets for the upcoming 2026 Biennial Dinner?

An Evening of History, Community and Connection
Thursday, October 29, 2026
6:00 – 9:30 PM
Kenilworth Assembly Hall,
410 Kenilworth Avenue

PROGRAM: Why Kenilworth?

How this tiny village compares and contrasts with its North Shore neighbors, which invites an engaging look at Kenilworth’s unique identity within the broader North Shore story.

HOST: Geoffrey Baer

WTTW Producer, Host. and Writer

For decades, multi-Emmy Award Winner Geoffrey Baer has been the host and writer of WTTW’s feature-length specials exploring the architecture, neighborhoods, and cultural life of Chicago and its suburbs. Beyond Chicago, Baer has hosted national PBS programs including “10 That Changed America“, bringing his curiosity and storytelling style to audiences across the country. A North Shore native, his deep familiarity with local history makes him uniquely suited for this year’s theme: “Why Kenilworth?”

Baer is currently producing an all-new WTTW special exploring Chicago’s northern suburbs and will share a special sneak preview during his keynote.

Learn more: https://kenilworthhistory.org/2026-biennial-dinner-why-kenilworth/

10/15/2026

(Photo caption: 2024 Biennial Dinner Guests)

Who will we see at the 2026 Biennial Dinner?
Do you have your tickets?
See you there :)

October 29, 2026
6 - 9:30pm
Kenilworth Assembly Hall

With Guest Speaker, Geoffrey Baer
WTTW Producer, Host and Writer

Why Kenilworth? How this tiny village compares and contrasts with its North Shore neighbors, which invites an engaging look at Kenilworth’s unique identity within the broader North Shore story.

https://kenilworthhistory.org/2026-biennial-dinner-why-kenilworth/

10/07/2026

Get your tickets for the 2026 Biennial Dinner
An evening of History, Community & Connection

October 29, 2026
6 - 9:30pm
Kenilworth Assembly Hall

With Guest Speaker, Geoffrey Baer
WTTW Producer, Host and Writer
Why Kenilworth? How this tiny village compares and contrasts with its North Shore neighbors, which invites an engaging look at Kenilworth’s unique identity within the broader North Shore story.

https://kenilworthhistory.org/2026-biennial-dinner-why.../

09/30/2026

Geoffrey Baer is our guest speaker for the 2026 Biennial Dinner
WTTW Producer, Host and Writer

For decades, multi-Emmy Award Winner Geoffrey Baer has been the host and writer of WTTW’s feature-length specials exploring the architecture, neighborhoods, and cultural life of Chicago and its suburbs. Beyond Chicago, Baer has hosted national PBS programs including “10 That Changed America“, bringing his curiosity and storytelling style to audiences across the country. A North Shore native, his deep familiarity with local history makes him uniquely suited for this year’s theme: “Why Kenilworth?”

Baer is currently producing an all-new WTTW special exploring Chicago’s northern suburbs and will share a special sneak preview during his keynote.

2026 Biennial Dinner
An Evening of History, Community and Connection
Thursday, October 29, 2026
6:00 – 9:30 PM
Kenilworth Assembly Hall

https://kenilworthhistory.org/2026-biennial-dinner-why-kenilworth/

09/22/2026

Counting down to the 2026 Biennial Dinner
An evening of History, Community & Connection
October 29, 2026
6 - 9:30pm
Kenilworth Assembly Hall

With Guest Speaker, Geoffrey Baer
WTTW Producer, Host and Writer

Watch for your invitation in the mail!

https://kenilworthhistory.org/2026-biennial-dinner-why-kenilworth/

09/16/2026

Stop by to explore the Deep Dive: A History of Kenilworth’s Water Infrastructure and Lakefront
Museum Hours: Thursday & Friday (9am - 5pm)

Enjoy this article from The Record North Shore about the exhibit!
https://www.therecordnorthshore.org/2026/05/31/new-exhibit-plunges-into-waters-past-present-and-future-in-kenilworth/

PHOTO: A historical water control panel is a highlight of the Kenilworth Historical Society's new exhibit. | Photos by Penelope Roewe/The Record North Shore

Visit us: https://kenilworthhistory.org/

09/10/2026

SAVE THE DATE!
2026 Biennial Dinner
Thursday, October 29

Details coming soon!

PHOTO: Kenilworth Historical Society 50th Anniversary Biennial Dinner, 1972

Visit us: https://kenilworthhistory.org/

09/08/2026

Back to School!
What are your favorite first day of school memories?

Photo: This is the Sears School kindergarten class from 1913. They are in the George Maher school building, which was torn down during the 1969 school expansion.

Visit us: https://kenilworthhistory.org/

09/07/2026

Happy Labor Day from KHS!

Enjoy this lovely, summer day from 1937 Kenilworth Beach by CC Ley.

Visit us: https://kenilworthhistory.org/

08/27/2026

Chicago Architecture Center Walking Tours

Join us for a walk through North Shore’s youngest and smallest community, showcasing distinctive architecture inspired by founder Joseph Sears’ vision of a planned English village.

Next available tour date: September 4, 2026
https://www.architecture.org/city-tours/kenilworth-north

The Chicago Architecture Center’s popular Kenilworth Walking Tours are returning this summer. Explore the history of the earliest homes and buildings in the village designed by renowned Chicago architects. The 1-hour-45-minute tour is available on seven select dates (see schedule above). Each tour will start at the Kenilworth Train Station (400 Richmond Road) and end at the Kenilworth Historical Society.

At the KHS, participants will have the chance to enjoy light refreshments and explore the gallery space.

Tickets for the tour can be purchased on the Chicago Architecture Center’s website.

Members of the Kenilworth Historical Society are eligible for discounted tickets priced at $10. To receive the promo code for discounted tickets, please contact the Kenilworth Historical Society.

Address

415 Kenilworth Avenue
Kenilworth, IL
60043

Opening Hours

Tuesday	9am - 5pm
Friday	9am - 5pm

Telephone

(847) 251-2565

Website

http://kenilworthhistory.org/

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