What are the opening hours?

Monday 1pm - 4:30pm Tuesday 1pm - 4:30pm Wednesday 1pm - 4:30pm Thursday 1pm - 4:30pm Sunday 1pm - 4:30pm

Wilmette History Museum

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Wilmette History Museum

The Wilmette History Museum is dedicated to exploring, preserving, and sharing Wilmette's history. http://www.wilmettehistory.org/involved.html

Our Museum is operated by the Wilmette Historical Society, a volunteer organization devoted to promoting local history, and by the Village of Wilmette. Located in the historic Gross Point Village Hall building, we offer exhibits, a research room, and special events and programs in our meeting space. For more information, visit our website at:
http://www.wilmettehistory.com

Interested in membership or volunteer opportunities?

08/12/2026

The case of the missing helmet has officially been solved! 🔎🚒

A huge thank you to all of the local businesses who helped make this summer’s Firehouse Mystery Scavenger Hunt possible, and to every junior detective and family who joined in the search. We loved seeing you explore Wilmette, follow the clues, and add your names to our Junior Detective board!

And yes, the missing helmet made it safely back where it belongs. ❤️

Participants, keep an eye on your email later this week when we announce the winners of our scavenger hunt prizes!

Thank you for helping us crack the case! 🔍

07/23/2026

Nothing says summer quite like a postcard.

Check out these postcards from our collection that our interns and volunteers have been accessioning this week!

Do you have any fun postcards or collect them from your travels? ✈️🚘🚊🚢

07/22/2026

🚒 Junior detectives, don’t forget!

There’s still time to turn in your Firehouse Mystery: The Case of Chief Zibble’s Missing Helmet scavenger hunt booklet at the Museum before August 9th. Help solve the mystery, collect your prizes, and see if you can crack the case before the hunt ends!

Don’t forget the grand prizes this year include being entered to win a beach/ pool pass for a family of four and a private tour of the Wilmette Fire Department!

And while you’re here, check out this historic photo of Wilmette’s first motorized ladder truck from the 1920s. If you look closely, you’ll even spot Fire Chief Walter Zibble riding in the back!

We hope to see you at the Museum soon!!

07/17/2026

Thank you to everyone who joined us for our Little Firefighters Storytime! 🚒

What an incredible morning! We loved seeing so many kids and families at the Museum for stories, firefighter hats and badges, crafts, and snacks.

A huge thank you to Sarah Jo from for leading a fantastic storytime. 📖 We can’t wait to bring you more fun family programs like this!

If you missed this one or would like to be added to our programming emails, please DM us or email at [email protected].

07/10/2026

Check us out this weekend at the Wilmette Sidewalk Sale!

We’ll be debuting our new free stickers, handing out scavenger hunt booklets, offering membership specials, and more.

Stop by and say hello! A big thank you to our board members for volunteering and to the for organizing another great event!

07/07/2026

One of our volunteers was going through some blueprints from our archives today. So fun!

Did you know the Museum holds house histories for many Wilmette homes, including old photos, bills of sale, blueprints, and more?

These particular blueprints were donated to the Museum by a local architect.

Stop by to learn more about your Wilmette home!

07/04/2026

Happy Fourth of July from the Wilmette History Museum!

As we begin the celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, we’re reminded that our nation’s story is made up of countless local stories, including those right here in Wilmette.

As you celebrate today, we hope you’ll consider supporting your local history museum by becoming a member or planning a visit soon. Together, we can preserve Wilmette’s stories for generations to come!

Wishing you a safe and happy Independence Day!

📸 Bruce Anderson salutes with the flag in Gillson Park, 1941. Photograph by Al Ackermann, Jr.

06/30/2026

There is no better time for a little ice cream history. 🍦

This photo from around 1905 shows a “perambulating restaurant” at Sheridan Road and Elmwood Avenue selling ice cream, popcorn, candy, soda, and other treats to people on hot summer days. ☀️

More than 100 years later, not much has changed.

How are you staying cool this week?

06/25/2026

Join us for Little Firefighters Storytime at the Wilmette History Museum!

Friday, July 10
10:30–11:30 AM
Free

To celebrate our summer scavenger hunt, Firehouse Mystery: The Case of the Missing Fire Chief’s Helmet, we’re hosting a special fire-themed storytime led by the wonderful children’s librarians from the Wilmette Public Library. After storytime, families are invited to stay for crafts and snacks provided by the Museum.

We’ll also have special Museum hours during the event, so it’s a great opportunity to explore while you’re here!

This event is free, but we kindly ask that you RSVP through our website. We hope you’ll join us!

06/22/2026

Join us tonight at 7 PM at the Wilmette Public Library for “The Declaration of Independence Through the Centuries.” Historian Joyce Haworth will explore how the Declaration of Independence has shaped American life and thought over the past 250 years.

This free program is presented in celebration of America250. We hope to see you there!

Address

609 Ridge Road
Wilmette, IL
60091

Opening Hours

Monday	1pm - 4:30pm
Tuesday	1pm - 4:30pm
Wednesday	1pm - 4:30pm
Thursday	1pm - 4:30pm
Sunday	1pm - 4:30pm

Website

http://www.wilmettehistory.org/, https://wilmettehistory.org/event/summer-scavenger-hunt-the-case-of-the-missing-fire-ch

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