Northbrook History Museum - Northbrook, Illinois

Introduction

The Northbrook History Museum, nestled at 1776 Walters Ave in Northbrook, Illinois, is a treasure trove of local history and culture. This meticulously restored 19th-century house, once known as the Northfield Inn, serves as a testament to the rich past of the Northbrook community. Let's delve into the fascinating world of this historical gem.

Main Services

• Museum Exhibits: The museum showcases a plethora of artifacts, photographs, and interactive displays that narrate the story of Northbrook from its early days to the present. Visitors can explore the history of the area through the eyes of its inhabitants, from Native American tribes to the early settlers.
• Educational Programs: The Northbrook History Museum offers a variety of educational programs for students and adults alike. School programs, workshops, and lectures cater to different age groups and interests, making history come alive in an engaging and interactive way.
• Tours: Guided tours of the museum and its historic grounds are available, providing an in-depth understanding of the history of the Northfield Inn and the surrounding area. The tours are led by knowledgeable volunteers who share their passion for history with visitors.
• Thrift Store: The museum houses a thrift store that sells a variety of donated items, ranging from clothing and books to furniture and collectibles. Proceeds from the thrift store go towards supporting the museum's operations and educational programs.

Location and Access

The Northbrook History Museum is located at 1776 Walters Ave, Northbrook, IL 60062, in the heart of the Edens Expressway corridor. It is easily accessible from major highways, including I-94 and I-294. Public transportation is available via the CTA Yellow Line (formerly known as the Union Pacific North Line) and several Pace bus routes that serve the Northbrook area.

For those traveling by car, the museum offers ample free parking on-site. The property also features a wheelchair-accessible car park, ensuring that the museum is accessible to all visitors.

Featured Characteristics

• Architecture: The museum is housed in the historic Northfield Inn, a stunning example of Italianate architecture built in the late 1800s. The inn was once a popular stop for travelers along the Chicago and North Western Railway line and has been meticulously restored to its former glory.
• Gift Shop: The museum's gift shop offers a variety of Northbrook-themed merchandise, including books, posters, and souvenirs. It is the perfect place to find a unique memento of your visit or a special gift for someone.
• Wheelchair Accessibility: The Northbrook History Museum is committed to ensuring that its facilities are accessible to all visitors. The museum features a wheelchair-accessible entrance and toilet, making it easy for everyone to explore the history of Northbrook.
• Restaurant: While there is no restaurant on-site, the museum is located near several dining options in Northbrook's vibrant downtown area. Visitors can enjoy a variety of cuisines, from casual eats to fine dining.

Practical Information

• Hours: The Northbrook History Museum is open to the public on Sundays from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM, from April through December. However, the museum is closed on major holidays and may have limited hours during inclement weather. It is recommended to check the museum's website or call ahead to confirm hours of operation.
• Admission: Admission to the Northbrook History Museum is free, although donations are welcome. The museum relies on the generosity of its visitors to continue its mission of preserving and sharing the history of Northbrook.
• Contact Information:
  • Address: 1776 Walters Ave, Northbrook, IL 60062
  • Phone: 847-498-3404
  • Website: northbrookhistory.org
  • Social Media:
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
    • Instagram

Positive Aspects from Reviews

Visitors to the Northbrook History Museum have praised its engaging and informative exhibits, with an average Google My Business rating of 4.1/5 from 10 reviews. Some of the positive aspects mentioned by visitors include:

• Well-preserved and beautifully restored historic house
• Fascinating and detailed exhibits on the history of Northbrook
• Knowledgeable and friendly volunteers who provide insightful tours and answer questions
• Accessible location and free parking
• Free admission, making it an affordable and enjoyable family outing
• Variety of educational programs and events for different age groups

One visitor raved, "The Northbrook History Museum is a hidden gem! The volunteers are so knowledgeable and passionate about local history, and the exhibits are incredibly well-done. I learned so much about Northbrook's past, and I can't wait to come back for another tour."

In conclusion, the Northbrook History Museum offers a unique and engaging experience for anyone interested in the history of Northbrook and its surrounding areas. With its stunning architecture, fascinating exhibits, and commitment to accessibility and education, the museum is a true treasure in the heart of Northbrook. Whether you're a lifelong resident or a first-time visitor, the Northbrook History Museum is a must-see destination that will captivate and inspire you.

👍 Reviews of Northbrook History Museum

Levi M.

5/5

Really fascinating museum, it’s an original house/ inn from the late 1800s beautifully restored. With so many interesting tidbits of the history of Northbrook. Downstairs they have maps of all the landowners of Northbrook from 1875, upstairs is the house restored from what it could have looked like like in 1906. Truly incredible blast from the past!

Esther F.

5/5

This is a nice little museum about the history of Northbrook. The museum is located inside a former inn. Each room focuses on a different aspect of Northbrook's history. The upstairs is still furnished with beds and furniture to replicate what it would have been like in the past. What made this museum especially great were the volunteers. I received an 1+ tour of the entire building with a very knowledgeable and enthusiastic volunteer. There is some signage throughout the museum, but if you visit, I highly recommend a personal tour.

James K.

5/5

The Northbrook Historical Society offers a fascinating glimpse into the history of the area. The exhibits are well-curated and informative.

Kati S.

5/5

Not many towns have a historical building devoted to the history of their town. Neat place to learn about the beginnings of the town!

Cynthia S.

3/5

My ancestors are the people Sanders Road & Winkelmann is named after. But, unfortunately, the library has no information, no database connected to the newspapers of that area, like other communities have. They rely on the historical society to gather information. I found no information from the historical society that I hadn’t already gotten from Ancestry!
It’s sad! I have so many pictures of Winkelmann & Sander to share. But not with a society that doesn’t know anything. They should take a lesson from Palatine, Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin or Warren, Iowa-other communities that I was very successful finding information. ALL library based.

Kim H.

3/5

Cute little consignment shop tucked in the back of a house built in the late 1800s.

Kimberly C.

4/5

Love looking around at Shermerville history and visiting the gift shop.

Daniel C.

5/5

Look at history of Northbrook