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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.

05/28/2026

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 https://kenilworthhistory.org/water-adventure-guide/.

Stop by to visit the exhibit Deep Dive, open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9am to 5pm.

05/25/2026

HAVE A MEANINGFUL MEMORIAL DAY
We honor the sacrifice of those who have given their lives in military service.

What is your favorite memory from Memorial Day in Kenilworth?
Walking in the parade? Visit to war monument? Hosting a family BBQ?

(Photo caption: Kenilworth Fountain, c. 1910, KHS )

05/19/2026

NEW EXHIBIT!
Deep Dive: A History of Kenilworth’s Water Infrastructure and Lakefront
Open Through Spring 2027

Kenilworth has always been shaped by water. When the village was established, Lake Michigan defined its eastern boundary, providing a water source as well as opportunities for recreation. At the same time, water posed ongoing challenges, from flooding to the need for reliable infrastructure as the community grew. Over time, Kenilworth responded with engineered solutions, evolving water systems, and lakefront improvements. This exhibit traces how water has influenced the village’s development, from the Kenilworth Company’s careful planning to continued efforts to manage stormwater and preserve the shoreline. Historic maps, photographs, and artifacts from the decommissioned water plant will be featured.

Visit us: https://kenilworthhistory.org/

05/15/2026

Kenilworth Memorial Day Open House
and
New Exhibit Opening: Deep Dive: A History of Kenilworth’s Water Infrastructure and Lakefront

Sunday, May 17, 2026
2:30 to 5:00 p.m.
Kenilworth Historical Society
415 Kenilworth Ave., Kenilworth, IL 60043

Free for all!

After Kenilworth’s Memorial Day parade and services, the Kenilworth Historical Society will be open to the public. Visitors can tour the exhibit space, including the new exhibit, Deep Dive: A History of Kenilworth’s Water Infrastructure and Lakefront. This new exhibit explores how water has influenced the village’s development, from the Kenilworth Company’s careful planning to continued efforts to manage stormwater and preserve the shoreline. Historic maps, photographs, and artifacts from the decommissioned water plant will be featured.

Additionally, merchandise will be for sale outside, and a kids’ summer activity will be available to enjoy.

Learn more about the exhibit: https://kenilworthhistory.org/deep-dive-exhibit/

05/12/2026

A behind the scenes peek at the installation of the NEW exhibit: Deep Dive: A History of Kenilworth’s Water Infrastructure and Lakefront

Exhibit opening Sunday, May 17
2:30 - 5:00pm
Free admission!

https://kenilworthhistory.org/deep-dive-exhibit/

05/05/2026

THANK YOU to everyone who attended the Centennial Needlepoint Reception!

This large and beautiful work is on display in the board room of the Stuart Memorial Building.

To mark the village’s centennial in 1996, a group of residents, under the leadership of long-time resident and skilled needlepoint artist Evie Barriger, came together to create a remarkable needlepoint depicting many of the community’s most important sites, including numerous residences.

Feel free to tag yourselves!

04/30/2026

Did you know? The Kenilworth Historical Society offers several publications for sale.

Its earliest publication, Kenilworth First Fifty Years, was written in 1947 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the village’s incorporation in 1896.

Written by a committee of residents, the book chronicles the community’s development, early clubs and organizations, and notable structures, and includes many historic photographs.

The Society recently issued a reprint of the original bound volume, now available for purchase for $15.
Stop by to pick up your copy! Tuesday & Thursday 9 AM – 5 PM

Visit us: https://kenilworthhistory.org/

04/24/2026

Search the Centennial Homes Online Exhibit
New houses have recently been added

With nearly 300 centennial homes still standing today, Kenilworth Centennial Homes, 1889–1925 offers a detailed look at the village’s diverse residential architecture. This ongoing online exhibit allows viewers to explore homes by street, year, architect, and style.

Visit: https://kenilworthhistory.org/online-exhibits/kenilworth-centennial-homes/search-centennial-homes/?f=centennialsearchform&ptb-search=1&ptb_centennial_home_streets=abbotsford-road&ptb_centennial_home_years=0

04/16/2026

The Kenilworth Historical Society is pleased to announce the release of a NEW publication, Kenilworth Stories by Ginny Anderson, available for $25. Head over to the museum to pick one up!

Kenilworth Stories by Ginny Anderson is a compilation of articles written by former Executive Director Ginny Anderson for the Kenilworth Life magazine and the Kenilworth Historical Society’s newsletter between 2012 and 2020. Drawing on her deep familiarity with the community and her engaging tone, Ginny offered readers a unique perspective into Kenilworth’s past.

The stories cover a variety of topics, including early residents, architectural landmarks, and aspects of daily life in the village. Together, they provide an enjoyable and accessible look into the history of Kenilworth.

Following Ginny’s passing in 2021, an ad hoc committee of the Kenilworth Historical Society’s Board of Directors convened to edit the articles for grammar and clarity, incorporate additional historical detail and images, and format them for publication. This volume presents a rich collection of stories that capture the spirit and history of Kenilworth, thoughtfully written and remembered by Ginny Anderson.

Visit us: https://kenilworthhistory.org/

04/11/2026

TOMORROW
Sunday, April 12
4:00 to 6:00 p.m.
Kenilworth Historical Society
Free for all!

Looking forward to seeing you at the Centennial Needlepoint Reception!
Please register in advance at https://kenilworthhistory.org/needlepoint-reception/

To mark the village’s centennial in 1996, a group of residents, under the leadership of long-time resident and skilled needlepoint artist Evie Barriger, came together to create a remarkable needlepoint depicting many of the community’s most important sites, including numerous residences. This large and beautiful work is on display in the board room of the Stuart Memorial Building, though its story may not be widely known among residents. This spring, join us as we showcase the needlepoint, explore its history, and identify the featured sites. The reception will include complimentary appetizers and beverages.

04/09/2026

Be sure to RSVP for this Sunday's event!
https://kenilworthhistory.org/needlepoint-reception/

4:00 to 6:00 p.m.
Kenilworth Historical Society
Free for all!

Join us as we showcase the needlepoint, explore its history, and identify the featured sites. Two of the original needle pointers will share insights into the process and this labor of love. Ellen Castellini will also speak briefly about the resurgence of needlepoint and her passion for the art form.

The reception will include complimentary appetizers and beverages.

To mark the village’s centennial in 1996, a group of residents created a remarkable needlepoint depicting many of the community’s most important sites, including numerous historic homes. This beautiful piece is displayed in the boardroom of the Stuart Memorial Building, though its story may not be widely known.

Address

415 Kenilworth Avenue
Kenilworth, IL
60043

Opening Hours

Tuesday	9am - 5pm
Thursday	9am - 5pm

Telephone

(847) 251-2565

Website

http://kenilworthhistory.org/

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