History Center of Lake Forest-Lake Bluff

06/22/2026

Mystery Photo Monday: Can you help us identify any of the people in this photograph?

Lake Forest Academy fencers from 1938.

Do you recognize anyone in this photo?

06/18/2026

The City of Lake Forest, Illinois Lake Forest Love blog featured the History Center's portrait exhibit. Read all about it and then stop by the museum to see these amazing pieces of family history up close!

By Carol SummerfieldFrom movies and television shows, we have all seen the hall or the stairway bedecked with dozens of paintings of different generations in gilded frames, in their place of honor on the wall of a stately home. These ancestral portrait collections have been a part of society -- part...

06/18/2026

A big thanks to everyone who came out for the very first Summer Music Concert in the gardens! Ft. performance by Ricardo Jimenez and food by Magic Crepes.

We hope to see you in July for the second summer concert!

06/17/2026

Thank you to Lake Forest Open Lands Association for partnering with us so we could bring this excellent tour to our members!

06/15/2026

Mystery Photo Monday: Can you help us identify the building in this photograph?

This photo is from August of 1957. The exact location and name of building is unknown, paperwork with photo suggests it was maybe the Lake Forest Masonic Lodge.

Do you recognize this address?

06/10/2026

Join us this Friday for the kick off to the History Center's Summer Music Series!

Bring your chairs and settle in to the History Centers Garden for relaxing live music. Don't forget to get your food ticket in advance!

Performance by Ricardo Jimenez:

Ricardo Jiménez is an internationally recognized trumpet player, vocalist, and educator based in Chicago. A Watson Fellow and global artist, he has performed and taught on five continents, including work in Austria, India, Senegal, and Brazil. Known for blending storytelling with genre-defying artistry, Ricardo has appeared in acclaimed productions such as Blues in the Night and Pearls: Rollin’ with the Blues, and collaborated with artists from Bollywood to jazz legends.


Food from Magic Crepes:

Magic Crepes will be serving up delicious fresh crepes with both sweet and savory options; there's something for everyone! Secure your food ticket in advance or purchase one at the concert. Each food ticket is good for one food item at Magic crepes.

Tickets here : https://secure.qgiv.com/for/9iz7v4/event/lantreaestnorilldurthtreer179cop/

06/08/2026

Mystery Photo Monday: Can you help us identify the house in this photograph?

Do you recognize this address?

06/01/2026

Mystery Photo Monday: Can you help us identify the person in this photograph?

05/28/2026

The History Center and the City of Lake Forest, Illinois have all sorts of events coming up this summer to commemorate America's 250th birthday. Check out our post on the Lake Forest Love blog to find out how long-ago locals celebrated in 1876 at the Centennial.

By Laurie Stein With America’s 250th birthday coming up in July, we turn our thoughts back to other milestone anniversaries in the history of our town. The year 1876 marked the Centennial of the Declaration of Independence, America’s “first birthday party” where the nation for the first time...

05/25/2026

Mystery Photo Monday: Can you help us identify any of the people in this photograph?

This image comes from the members of the McKinlock Post 264 at the Lake Forest Memorial Day celebration, 1998.

Do you recognize anyone in this photo?