Des Plaines History Center

Des Plaines History Center Learn about Des Plaines history and tour the Kinder House! More information at desplaineshistory.org

Mission: The Des Plaines History Center collects, preserves, and interprets the history of Des Plaines and its people and provides access to those resources through exhibits, educational programs, and research facilities. Vision: To create a great future by inspiring and connecting people to the history of Des Plaines and to the world through an understanding of heritage, traditions, culture, and community.

Our first History Huddle of the summer took us back to the era when people would use wax seals to send letters!Join us o...
06/12/2026

Our first History Huddle of the summer took us back to the era when people would use wax seals to send letters!

Join us on June 26, July 10, and July 24 from 11 am to 12 pm at the Des Plaines Public Library this summer for our drop-in History Huddle program! Perfect for parents looking for family-friendly fun for their kids this summer. We are hosting quick, drop-in, interactive activities and crafts that will expose kids to history in a fun way.

Next time, we will use Victorian-era flower language to make pipe cleaners flowers.

Do you have questions about the recent legislative session in Springfield? Want to share your concerns with local electe...
06/10/2026

Do you have questions about the recent legislative session in Springfield? Want to share your concerns with local elected officials? Join the Des Plaines History Center next Tuesday, June 16 from 6 to 8 pm for a town hall with State Representatives Justin Cochran ( Representative Justin Cochran) and Michelle Mussman ( Representative Michelle Mussman). They will share important updates from Springfield and answer questions.

In honor of Pride month, we are excited to share more local LGBTQ+ history!Jane Addams was a fierce advocate for social ...
06/08/2026

In honor of Pride month, we are excited to share more local LGBTQ+ history!

Jane Addams was a fierce advocate for social reform and women’s issues. Addams, along with her paramour Ellen Starr, founded the Hull House, a settlement house that provided social services in Chicago’s West Side. Modeled after the Toynbee Settlement House in London, Addams and Starr aimed not only to provide support for immigrants and the working class but also to secure permanent legislative changes benefiting underrepresented groups. Addams held a large role in outlawing child labor as well as implementing the women’s suffrage movement in Chicago.

To explore more LGBTQ+ history, visit our table at the SPEAK Des Plaines Community Pride Celebration on June 20 from 1 to 5 pm at Trinity Lutheran Church, 675 E. Algonquin Road.

We are grateful to welcome Village Bank & Trust as a member of our Heritage Circle. Additionally, the 2026 Coffee Talk s...
06/05/2026

We are grateful to welcome Village Bank & Trust as a member of our Heritage Circle. Additionally, the 2026 Coffee Talk series is generously supported by Village Bank & Trust.

Village Bank & Trust, part of the Wintrust Community Banks family, has proudly served the Chicagoland area for more than 30 years and continues to expand throughout Wisconsin, Michigan, Northern Indiana, and parts of Florida. Our Des Plaines location, open since 2011, is committed to supporting the community through partnerships with the Chamber of Commerce, local school districts, and nonprofit organizations, including the History Center. We strive to understand our customers’ financial goals and provide thoughtful, personalized financial solutions. We believe in supporting local businesses, families, and community events that make a difference. Visit us and experience the banking difference.

The Chamber of Commerce is hosting its Sip and Stroll into Summer next week, and we are one of the stops! Explore downto...
06/03/2026

The Chamber of Commerce is hosting its Sip and Stroll into Summer next week, and we are one of the stops! Explore downtown Des Plaines and visit 15 businesses and establishments while enjoying drinks, bites, and the summer weather. Stop by the Des Plaines History Center on June 11 from 4:30 to 6:30 pm for drinks and our new exhibit!

Tickets are required and are available on the Des Plaines Chamber of Commerce's website, https://business.dpchamber.com/events/details/sip-and-stroll-into-summer-experience-business-in-downtown-des-plaines-4835.

Address

781 Pearson Street
Des Plaines, IL
60016

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 4pm
Tuesday 10am - 4pm
Wednesday 10am - 4pm
Thursday 10am - 4pm
Friday 10am - 4pm

Telephone

+18473915399

Website

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