About Us

Our Mission

The Lake Forest-Lake Bluff Historical Society inspires an awareness of the community’s history and an appreciation of its relevance through delivering engaging exhibitions, publications and public programs; collecting and preserving local heritage and culture; and supporting historical research.

Board of Directors

Fiscal Year 2009-2010

Tom Hunter, President
Fred Wacker, Vice- President
Leslie Chapman, Treasurer
Kathryn P. Govas, Secretary

Lori Baker
Holly A. Brown
Coni Carfagno
Mike Conklin
David A. Dezelan
Robert D. Douglass, AIA
Katie Hale
Laura Henderson
Margie Juedes
David M. Lutrey
Cathy McKechney
Harold M. Morrison
Shirley M. Paddock
Carlotta H. Rotman
Jean Royster
Bob Shaw
Kate Smith
Lynn Taylor
Kay Weston

MUSEUM HOURS

The museum hours are Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.  The museum is closed Sundays from Memorial Day through Labor Day and on major holidays.

Admission is free to the Historical Society’s museum building.  The museum is accessible to visitors in wheelchairs.

WHERE WE ARE

The Lake Forest-Lake Bluff Historical Society is located in downtown Lake Forest, east of Market Square and one block from the Lake Forest Metra station.

ARCHIVES AND LIBRARY

We specialize in providing historical resources and information.  People use our resources for:

• Discovering facts about the house in which they live
• Researching their ancestors or other local families
• Learning about the various businesses that are, and have been, a part of our community
• Finding buildings of historical significance in the community
• Studying maps and photographs from bygone eras

Our award-winning Directory of Local Historical Resources can help your search.  It is available free of charge to researchers.

EXHIBITS AND PROGRAMS

We feature exhibits about various aspects of the community’s varied and significant history.  Changing exhibits make each visit to the museum a new experience. Many of the ideas for exhibits come from interested people in the community.  Stop by during our business hours to discuss ideas you have for future exhibits.

We sponsor a variety of programs each year based on the people, places and events that have touched our community in the past. Programs are often held in historically significant residences and public buildings. Recent programs include living history tours of Lake Forest Cemetery, tours and lectures about the art and architecture in the area, discussions on local businesses and organizations, presentations on the history of fashions, bike tours and polo matches.  Local schools participate in our award-winning program on archaeology and hear speakers about the history of the community and its residents.

Joining the Lake Forest-Lake Bluff Historical Society means you will receive first notice of upcoming events.

COLLECTIONS

The Lake Forest-Lake Bluff Historical Society has an extensive collection of artifacts including, but not limited to, photographs, maps, real estate records, house plans, scrapbooks, clothing, and business ephemera. We also have a wide variety of materials that can help you in your genealogical search such as census records, military records, obituaries, cemetery records and telephone directories.  These artifacts are catalogued and preserved following the latest museum standards and document Lake Forest and Lake Bluff history.  Archival materials and artifacts are made available to researchers on a regular basis.  Please visit or contact our professional curatorial staff for information.

The museum collection provides the basis for an in-depth look at history through exhibitions and programs. This is a dynamic area that is constantly being updated.  We are always appreciative of any donations to enhance our collection. Please think of the Historical Society when you are cleaning out your attics, closets and basements!  Your donation to the collection is tax deductible.

PUBLICATIONS

The following publications by the Lake Forest-Lake Bluff Historical Society are available for purchase:

Lake Forest Day:  100 Years of Celebration by Laurietta Parsh
Lake Forest Illinois:  History and Reminiscences 1861-1961 by Edward Arpee, Supplement by Susan Dart
Lake Forest Cemetery
Lake Forest Cemetery Burial Book by Sandra Boutin and Shirley Paddock
The Aldis Compound by Dawn K. Kimbrell
Tracks to Town by Elliot Donnelley
Lake Forest Walking Tour