Little White School Museum

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Little White School Museum First a Methodist-Episcopal church, then as a beloved elementary school, and now a community museum. Step in and take a step back in time.

The Little White School Museum, located at 72 Polk Street in downtown Oswego, IL holds the rich history of the community and reflects the spirit of its early residents. Built as a church in 1850, then used as a school until the mid 1960’s, the building is now a community museum open to the public and an archive of local Oswegoland history. The Oswegoland Heritage Association operates the museum in partnership with the Oswegoland Park District. Museum gallery is open Friday through Monday, Noon - 5pm. The Little White School Museum archives and research are available by appointment.

Join us at the Little White School Museum on Saturday, October 17 at noon for a special guest lecture from Gerald Savage...
10/09/2026

Join us at the Little White School Museum on Saturday, October 17 at noon for a special guest lecture from Gerald Savage on Starved Rock History from a Native Perspective. Gerald is an Illinois Humanities 2025 Road Scholar Speaker and an Illinois America 250 Commissioner.

Gerald’s formal native name is Ho-Chunk Ska Ga (White Winnebago) he is a tribal elder with the Ho-Chunk Nation. Gerald’s family lived in Starved Rock for many years. He will discuss the history of the local tribes, the legend of how Starved Rock got its name, how the park changed from an exclusive resort to a State Park, the CCC building of the park, Starved Rock Murders, Native ceremonies held at the park, and current park statistics.

Gerald’s grandparents were Chief Walks with the Wind and Stands on a Cloud. They were very influential in the teaching of Gerald the native customs and ways. He carries on his grandfather’s tradition of teaching people about their tribal ways. His program is about the history, past and present, from a Native perspective.

The local history discussed will range from 1500 – Current. Large Native Settlement, first white men, Original St. Louis, Fur Trade, Legend of the name Starved Rock, Private luxury resort, public park, CCC construction, Murder in the Park, Local Native Ceremonies, Current day Starved Rock.

Register at the following link:
https://anc.apm.activecommunities.com/oswegolandparks/activity/search/detail/29479?onlineSiteId=0&locale=en-US&from_original_cui=true

There's still time to register for our annual Oswego Cemetery Walk, which due to weather has been rescheduled to Thursda...
10/06/2026

There's still time to register for our annual Oswego Cemetery Walk, which due to weather has been rescheduled to Thursday, October 8. We are excited to announce that this year, we will be offering Cemetery Walk T-Shirts for sale during the event, while supplies last. The shirts are as pictured as below, and come in sizes from small to 2XL.

Follow the below link to register for the newly rescheduled Cemetery Walk:
https://anc.apm.activecommunities.com/oswegolandparks/activity/search?onlineSiteId=0&utm_id=97758_v0_s00_e0_tv2_a1demo0jnm1mhe&locale=en-US&activity_select_param=2&activity_category_ids=34&viewMode=list

This October, we are working to give back to those who served! Join us at the Little White School Museum to help the Dau...
10/04/2026

This October, we are working to give back to those who served! Join us at the Little White School Museum to help the Daughters of the American Revolution write notes, make lap blankets, and assemble care packages for veterans. Donations are also welcome at the time of the event. Your kindness can make a real difference. Join us in supporting those who serve our country. Pre-registration is preferred, but day of registration is welcome!

Please email museum coordinator Joe Noce ([email protected]) with any questions!

There's still time to register for our annual Oswego Cemetery Walk, which due to weather has been rescheduled to Thursda...
10/03/2026

There's still time to register for our annual Oswego Cemetery Walk, which due to weather has been rescheduled to Thursday, October 8. We are excited to announce that this year, we will be offering Cemetery Walk T-Shirts for sale during the event, while supplies last. The shirts are as pictured as below, and come in sizes from small to 2XL.

Follow the below link to register for the newly rescheduled Cemetery Walk:
https://anc.apm.activecommunities.com/oswegolandparks/activity/search?onlineSiteId=0&locale=en-US&activity_select_param=2&activity_category_ids=34&viewMode=list

There's still time to register for both programs at the Little White School Museum on this Saturday, October 3rd! First,...
10/01/2026

There's still time to register for both programs at the Little White School Museum on this Saturday, October 3rd!

First, join us at noon for a special glimpse inside the museum! Ever wonder what the Little White School looked like before it was a museum? Ever what goes on in the depths of the museum's basement? Over the last 150 years, this building has gone through countless changes, from its use to its architecture. Join members of the Oswegoland Heritage Association as they take you on an indoor tour of our beloved museum!

Register at the following link:
https://anc.apm.activecommunities.com/oswegolandparks/activity/search/detail/29475?onlineSiteId=0&locale=en-US&from_original_cui=true

Next, join us at 2pm to discover the fascinating history of Illinois' historic "bearing trees" with guest lecturer Ken Mozinga. Used by early 1800s surveyors as landmarks to establish the state's rectangular grid system, these remarkable trees provide a unique connection to our region's past. Ken has tracked down hundreds of these living landmarks and will share their history, significance, and the stories they continue to tell.

Register at the following link:
https://anc.apm.activecommunities.com/oswegolandparks/activity/search/detail/29618?onlineSiteId=0&locale=en-US&from_original_cui=true

☔ Rain, rain, go away… Due to the weather, the Oswego Cemetery Walk has been rescheduled for Thursday, October 8.Partici...
09/30/2026

☔ Rain, rain, go away… Due to the weather, the Oswego Cemetery Walk has been rescheduled for Thursday, October 8.

Participants will recieve an email with updated event information. If you need a refund, please call 630.554.1010 by Monday, October 5, at noon.

We’re looking forward to seeing everyone next week! Until then, stay dry!

There's still time to register for our annual Oswego Cemetery Walk at the Oswego Township Cemetery (Located on Oswego's ...
09/26/2026

There's still time to register for our annual Oswego Cemetery Walk at the Oswego Township Cemetery (Located on Oswego's Main Street between Douglas Street and Fuller Avenue)!

Experience local history come to life! Participants will be guided through the cemetery to visit with “ghosts” of early Oswego residents and pioneers. Pre-registration is required. Registration the day of the event is $10, space permitting. Please arrive at the beginning of your timeslot! Participants should be able to walk for 45 minutes, wear comfortable shoes, and are encouraged to bring a flashlight. An adult must accompany all children. Registration is per person. Presented in partnership with the Oswegoland Heritage Association.
Please arrive at the beginning of your timeslot, as that is when your group begins their tour! Groups leave every 15 minutes. If you arrive late, we cannot guarantee there will be room on a later tour. Participants should be able to walk for 45 minutes, wear comfortable shoes, and are encouraged to bring a flashlight. We will be walking on a paved path, but the ground is not flat and could be difficult for some to traverse. An adult must accompany all children. Parking is available in front and around the Oswego Township Cemetery, located at 503 Main St, Oswego.

Register at the following link:

Our latest exhibit, It's a Grand Old Flag and a Banner Year for Oswego, featuring flags and banners from Oswego's celebr...
09/24/2026

Our latest exhibit, It's a Grand Old Flag and a Banner Year for Oswego, featuring flags and banners from Oswego's celebrations over the years, is on display and will remain up through mid-October in the Little White School Museum's Roger Matile room. Be sure to stop by and see it during our regular operating hours.

Thursdays: 2-6:30pm
Fridays: 11am-3pm
Saturdays and Sundays: 9am-2pm
Mondays: 4-8pm

Join us at Oswego Township Cemetery (Located on Oswego's Main Street between Douglas Street and Fuller Avenue) on Saturd...
09/20/2026

Join us at Oswego Township Cemetery (Located on Oswego's Main Street between Douglas Street and Fuller Avenue) on Saturday, September 26 for a special tour of this cemetery prior to our annual Cemetery Walk!

Have you ever ventured into the grounds of Oswego Township Cemetery? Would you like to have a guided sneak peek before our annual Cemetery Walk and see who is buried there? Join members of the Oswegoland Heritage Association and the Oswegoland Park District for on a tour. The Oswego Township Cemetery located at 503 S. Main St. Pre-registration is required.

Register at the following link:
https://anc.apm.activecommunities.com/oswegolandparks/activity/search/detail/29474?onlineSiteId=0&locale=en-US&from_original_cui=true

Join us at the Oswego Township Cemetery (Located on Oswego's Main Street between Douglas Street and Fuller Avenue) for o...
09/20/2026

Join us at the Oswego Township Cemetery (Located on Oswego's Main Street between Douglas Street and Fuller Avenue) for one of our favorite programs!

Experience local history come to life! Participants will be guided through the cemetery to visit with “ghosts” of early Oswego residents and pioneers. Pre-registration is required. Registration the day of the event is $10, space permitting. Please arrive at the beginning of your timeslot! Participants should be able to walk for 45 minutes, wear comfortable shoes, and are encouraged to bring a flashlight. An adult must accompany all children. Registration is per person. Presented in partnership with the Oswegoland Heritage Association.
Please arrive at the beginning of your timeslot, as that is when your group begins their tour! Groups leave every 15 minutes. If you arrive late, we cannot guarantee there will be room on a later tour. Participants should be able to walk for 45 minutes, wear comfortable shoes, and are encouraged to bring a flashlight. We will be walking on a paved path, but the ground is not flat and could be difficult for some to traverse. An adult must accompany all children. Parking is available in front and around the Oswego Township Cemetery, located at 503 Main St, Oswego.

Register at the following link:
https://anc.apm.activecommunities.com/oswegolandparks/activity/search?onlineSiteId=0&locale=en-US&activity_select_param=2&activity_category_ids=34&viewMode=list

Address

72 Polk Street
Oswego, IL
60543

Opening Hours

Monday 4pm - 9pm
Thursday 2pm - 6:30pm
Friday 2pm - 6:30pm
Saturday 9am - 2pm
Sunday 9am - 2pm

Telephone

+16305542999

Website

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