Arlington Heights Historical Society & Museum

08/19/2026

A diary written in secret. A story of survival against all odds. 📔 When the Hinds family moved to Manila in 1941, they never expected to spend the next three years fighting for their lives in the Santo Tomas concentration camp. This September, we’re sharing their powerful journey. Come visit the museum to view Lonnie Hinds' diary and discover how this incredible local family helped shape the history of Arlington Heights. Your next piece of local history is waiting. 👣

08/19/2026

Stop by this week to see if you can find the artifact featured in this week's scavenger hunt! Once you've got your answer let our front desk attendant know. If you're one of the first five correct people you will win a bottle of our Arlington Club pop! The museum is open Wednesday through Sunday 10AM-4PM

08/19/2026

Calling all detectives! Join us for Mystery at the Historical Museum on Saturday, September 12th. You and your team will be provided clues that will help you track down the correct artifacts and solve a mystery! Everyone will receive a soda pop reward.
Register here ➡ https://anc.apm.activecommunities.com/ahpd/activity/search/detail/96998?onlineSiteId=0&from_original_cui=true

08/12/2026

Advertising was a little more elegant in 1910! ✨ This commemorative calendar plate was a "complimentary gift" from Fred W. Gieseke, a local shopkeeper who knew the value of branding. By gifting a beautiful, functional piece of porcelain featuring Niagara Falls, Gieseke kept his store—and his phone number—in the homes of his patrons 365 days a year. It’s a classic example of early customer loyalty marketing! 🍽️🗓️

08/12/2026

Thank to Suburb Talk for letting us share more info about August's case and the incredible life of Theodore Militzer. Check out this article and then drop by the museum.

This month, the Arlington Heights Historical Museum features a display on this man, who helped start High School District 214, but he needed a key voting block to do it: https://www.suburbtalk.com/2026/08/12/credit-this-man-and-key-voting-block-with-the-start-of-high-school-district-214/

08/05/2026

Think police work has always been the same? Think again! 🚔 This commemorative “constable” badge marks 100 years of the Arlington Heights Police Department, but our law enforcement history actually goes even deeper. From the first volunteer constable in 1887 to our first paid officer, Henry Horstman, in 1895, our village has evolved from a small town of less than 1,000 people to the thriving community we know today. Swipe to see a glimpse of where it all started. Which part of Arlington Heights' history surprises you the most? 🕰️📜

08/04/2026

Join us for our next Lecture and Learn with Museum Director, Jeff Anderson!
Register Here ➡ https://anc.apm.activecommunities.com/ahpd/activity/search/detail/93695?onlineSiteId=0&from_original_cui=true

While the adults are at the lecture the kids are welcome to join us for Little Historians which will take place in the Coach House!
Register Here ➡ https://anc.apm.activecommunities.com/ahpd/activity/search/detail/94359?onlineSiteId=0&from_original_cui=true

07/29/2026

Every artifact in the museum tells a story—but some, like this little terrier, invite us to write our own. 🧸 We don’t know who this pup belonged to, but those worn-in fur patches tell us he was a well-loved best friend who went on countless adventures. It’s a gentle reminder that even simple objects can connect us across time. What was the name of your favorite childhood stuffed animal? Let’s share some memories in the comments! 👇