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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

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 informati

on 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.

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.

08/20/2026

Have you set out as a water explorer?
This activity booklet created by the Kenilworth Historical Society. Inspired by the new exhibit, Deep Dive: A History of Kenilworth’s Water Infrastructure and Lakefront, you’ll follow the journey of water from Lake Michigan to your home. The guide directs you to find important water locations across Kenilworth, such as the Water Tower and a Skokie Ditch bridge, and helps you make your own “Water Promise”.

Once completed, design a bookmark about water and bring your guide to the Kenilworth Historical Society by September 4th, 2026, for a prize. Prizes this year include candy, Homer’s Ice Cream gift cards, and other beach and summer themed prizes.

Pick up your guide at the Kenilworth Historical Society at 415 Kenilworth Ave or download it. Be sure to visit the exhibit Deep Dive, open Thursdays and Fridays from 9am to 5pm.

Download yours today! https://kenilworthhistory.org/water-adventure-guide/

08/14/2026

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: August 16, 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.

07/31/2026

Caption: Stuart Memorial Building, c. 1974, KHS

Take an active part in supporting the preservation of Kenilworth’s history by becoming a member today!

Membership benefits include:
-Print newsletter with original historical articles.
-Advance notice of upcoming programs and events.
-Free or reduced admission to programs and events.
-Invitation to special events, including the Biennial Dinner.
-Participation in the Time Travelers program, a reciprocal membership network for historical museums, sites, and societies throughout the United States. Includes over 300 organizations.

Use the online form to become a member or renew your annual membership.
If you prefer to pay by check, please download a membership form. Print and complete the form, then mail or drop of the form along with your check to the Kenilworth Historical Society. Call 847-251-2565 or email with any questions.
Life members be sure to update your contact information online.

Visit: https://kenilworthhistory.org/membership/

NEW MUSEUM HOURSThursday & Friday9am - 5pmOther hours by arrangement.Contact info@kenilworthhistory.org

07/27/2026

NEW MUSEUM HOURS
Thursday & Friday
9am - 5pm

Other hours by arrangement.
Contact [email protected]

07/23/2026

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: July 26, 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.

07/14/2026

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: July 17, 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.

07/09/2026

This summer, set out as a water explorer with this activity booklet created by the Kenilworth Historical Society. Inspired by the new exhibit, Deep Dive: A History of Kenilworth’s Water Infrastructure and Lakefront, you’ll follow the journey of water from Lake Michigan to your home. The guide directs you to find important water locations across Kenilworth, such as the Water Tower and a Skokie Ditch bridge, and helps you make your own “Water Promise”.

Once completed, design a bookmark about water and bring your guide to the Kenilworth Historical Society by September 4th, 2026, for a prize. Prizes this year include candy, Homer’s Ice Cream gift cards, and other beach and summer themed prizes.

Pick up your guide at the Kenilworth Historical Society at 415 Kenilworth Ave or download it. Be sure to visit the exhibit Deep Dive, open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9am to 5pm.

Download yours today! https://kenilworthhistory.org/water-adventure-guide/

07/02/2026

Caption: Kenilworth Beach on July 4th, pre-1907. Notice the 45-star flag. Which states were not yet states?

KHS wishes you a happy and safe 4th of July weekend!

06/25/2026

Featured Artifact

Here is an excerpt from the an 1890 brochure, which was produced by the Kenilworth Company to promote the attractive features of Kenilworth:

“The desire for a home in the country, with its pure air, quiet, green grass, forest shade, and all the comforts and delights of rural life, when such conditions can be combined with the conveniences of the city, becomes more and more urgent each year with the increase in traffic and manufacturing industries of our city, and the consequent din, smoke, impure air and disagreeable and unhealthy odors.”

Address

415 Kenilworth Avenue
Kenilworth, IL
60043

Opening Hours

Thursday	9am - 5pm
Friday	9am - 5pm

Telephone

(847) 251-2565

Website

http://kenilworthhistory.org/

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