Northbrook History Museum - Northbrook, Illinois

Introduction

The Northbrook History Museum, nestled at 1776 Walters Ave, Northbrook, IL 60062, is a treasure trove of local history and a beloved institution in the heart of Northbrook, Illinois. This charming museum, housed in the historic Northfield Inn, is dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich heritage of Northbrook and its surrounding areas.

Main Services

• Museum Exhibits: The museum offers a variety of exhibits that delve into the history of Northbrook, from its early days as a rural farming community to its transformation into a thriving suburban village. Permanent exhibits include the 'History of Northbrook' and 'Northbrook Schools', while temporary exhibits focus on specific aspects of local history.
• Educational Programs: The Northbrook History Museum offers a range of educational programs for students and adults alike. School programs are designed to complement Illinois Learning Standards, while adult programming includes workshops, lectures, and special events.
• Research Services: The museum's Heritage Center Archives & Offices house a wealth of historical documents, photographs, and artifacts. Researchers can access these materials by appointment to learn more about Northbrook's past.
• Virtual Tours: While not yet fully operational, the museum is working on offering virtual tours to make its exhibits and programs more accessible to a wider audience.

Location and Access

The museum is located in the heart of Northbrook, just off the Edens Expressway (Interstate 94) at the Willow Road exit. It is easily accessible by car, with free on-site parking available. The museum is also wheelchair-accessible, with a dedicated wheelchair-accessible car park, entrance, and toilet.

Public transportation is available via the CTA's Yellow Line (Union Pacific North) and Pace suburban bus services. The Northbrook Metra Station is approximately a 15-minute walk from the museum.

Featured Characteristics

• The Northfield Inn: The museum is housed in the historic Northfield Inn, built in 1862 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The inn's architecture and interior provide a glimpse into life in 19th-century Northbrook.
• Gift Shop: The museum features a gift shop stocked with unique items related to Northbrook's history, as well as books, jewelry, and other souvenirs.
• Restaurant: While not operated by the museum, the adjacent Northfield Inn Restaurant offers a charming dining experience with a menu inspired by the inn's history.
• Family-Friendly and Good for Kids: The museum offers a variety of exhibits and programs that are both educational and fun for children. The museum's website also provides resources for educators and parents to help children learn about local history.

Practical Information

• Admission: Admission to the Northbrook History Museum is free, although donations are welcome.
• Hours: The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, and Sunday, 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM. It is closed on major holidays.
• Contact Information: Phone: 847-498-3404, Website: northbrookhistory.org.
• Social Media: Follow the museum on Facebook (@NorthbrookHistoryMuseum), Instagram (@northbrookhistorymuseum), and YouTube (Northbrook History Museum) for updates and behind-the-scenes looks at the museum.

Positive Aspects from Reviews

Visitors to the Northbrook History Museum have consistently praised its commitment to preserving and sharing local history. With an average rating of 4.1/5 from 10 reviews on Google My Business, some of the most common positive aspects noted include:

• Well-preserved exhibits: Many visitors comment on the high quality of the museum's exhibits, which effectively bring Northbrook's history to life.
• Knowledgeable staff: Museum staff are frequently praised for their friendliness and expertise, providing insightful information and answering visitor questions.
• Engaging programs: Visitors appreciate the museum's educational programs, which cater to both adults and children.
• Charming atmosphere: The historic Northfield Inn setting is often cited as a highlight of the visitor experience, providing a unique and memorable backdrop for exploring Northbrook's past.

One reviewer summed up the museum's appeal: "This is a 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."

👍 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