Northbrook History Museum - Northbrook, Illinois

Introduction

The Northbrook History Museum, situated at 1776 Walters Ave, Northbrook, IL 60062, is a treasure trove of local history that offers a unique perspective into the evolution of this charming Chicago suburb. This meticulously preserved 19th-century house, originally known as the Northfield Inn, serves as a testament to the rich heritage of Northbrook and its surrounding areas.

Managed by the Northbrook Historical Society, the museum is dedicated to preserving, interpreting, and promoting the history of Northbrook and its people. With its commitment to education, research, and community engagement, the Northbrook History Museum has become an essential hub for anyone interested in delving into the fascinating past of this community.

Main Services

• Museum Exhibits: The museum offers a collection of exhibits that chronicle the history of Northbrook, from its early settlement days to the present. Visitors can explore the lives of the early settlers, the impact of the railroad on the community, and the evolution of Northbrook's architecture and infrastructure.
• Educational Programs: The Northbrook History Museum provides a variety of educational programs for both students and adults. School programs are designed to align with Illinois learning standards and offer hands-on, interactive experiences. Adult education programs include workshops, lectures, and special events.
• Research Facilities: The museum's Heritage Center Archives & Offices house an extensive collection of documents, photographs, and artifacts related to Northbrook's history. These resources are available for public research, helping to preserve and share the community's story for generations to come.
• Virtual Tours (Upcoming): In an effort to make its rich history more accessible, the Northbrook History Museum is currently developing virtual tours. These tours will allow visitors from around the world to explore the museum and its exhibits from the comfort of their own homes.

Location and Access

The Northbrook History Museum is conveniently located in the heart of Northbrook, just off the Edens Expressway (I-94) at the Willow Road exit. The museum is situated in a residential neighborhood, with the closest street being Walters Avenue. There is a wheelchair-accessible car park on-site, as well as free of charge street parking and a free parking lot available.

Public transportation is also an option, with the museum being approximately a 15-minute walk from the Metra Union Pacific North Line's Northbrook station. The CTA Yellow Line's Oakton-Skokie station is also within walking distance, offering easy access to the Chicago Transit Authority's 'L' train system.

Featured Characteristics

• The Northfield Inn: The museum's most striking feature is the beautifully restored Northfield Inn, built in 1872. This Italianate-style house served as a stagecoach stop, a general store, and a community gathering place during its early years. Today, it stands as a poignant reminder of Northbrook's rural past.
• Period Rooms: The Northbrook History Museum features several period rooms, each meticulously decorated to reflect a particular era in Northbrook's history. These rooms provide visitors with an immersive, hands-on experience, allowing them to connect with the past on a personal level.
• Gift Shop and Restaurant: The museum's gift shop is stocked with an assortment of books, toys, and souvenirs that celebrate Northbrook's history. The on-site restaurant, The Northfield Inn Bistro, offers a delightful dining experience, featuring a menu inspired by the culinary traditions of the 19th century.

Practical Information

• Admission to the Northbrook History Museum is free, although donations are welcome and help support the museum's ongoing operations and programs.
• The museum is open throughout the week, with extended hours on weekends. However, it is recommended to check the museum's website for the most up-to-date opening hours, as these can change seasonally.
• Guided tours are available by appointment and provide an in-depth exploration of the museum's exhibits and collections. The museum also offers self-guided tour materials for visitors who prefer to explore at their own pace.
• The Northbrook History Museum is wheelchair-accessible, with a dedicated wheelchair-accessible toilet on-site. Stroller rentals are also available, making the museum an enjoyable and accessible destination for families with young children.

Positive Aspects from Reviews

Visitors to the Northbrook History Museum consistently praise its engaging and well-curated exhibits, with many remarking on the depth of information they gained about Northbrook's history. The museum's commitment to preserving and sharing the community's story has not gone unnoticed, with reviewers lauding the staff's dedication and expertise. The museum's family-friendly atmosphere, hands-on activities, and welcoming environment have also been highlighted as standout features.

One reviewer noted, "The Northbrook History Museum is an absolute gem. The staff is incredibly knowledgeable and friendly, and the exhibits are so well-done. My kids loved the interactive displays, and we all learned so much about the history of Northbrook. We'll definitely be back!" Another reviewer raved, "What a fantastic resource for the community. The Northbrook History Museum is a must-visit for anyone interested in local history. The attention to detail in the period rooms is stunning, and the gift shop is stocked with some truly unique finds."

With an average rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars on Google My Business, the Northbrook History Museum has established itself as a beloved and valuable asset to the Northbrook community and its visitors.

👍 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