History Center Closed for Exhibit Construction

The History Center will be closed for exhibit construction from Tuesday, May 13 through Friday, May 16 at 3:00pm.
The Collector's Corner Albania exhibit will be open for tours during this time. Please use the doorbell on the Visitor Center, 781 Pearson Street or call 847-391-5399

New Exhibit Opens May 16, 2008

EZ tooth filler
In May 2008 the History Center's Visitor Center will feature a new exhibit on health and medicine in Des Plaines. From the age of "heroic medicine" to doing your own dental work, the exhibit will explore issues related to health and medicine throughout Des Plaines history.

Quilt on display in the Kinder House


The Historical Society is pleased to announce that the Kinder House will have a unique quilt on display in the master bedroom during 2008. Created in 1908 and originally owned by Mrs. J.U. Stott, the quilt contains thirty squares with the creators' names carefully embroidered in the center of each design. Many also have a month and year stitched in, and a few, the ladies' age.

Rise and Shine play opens April 11, 2008

"Rise and Shine" is a new play written and directed by Dan Scott of Des Plaines. The play will be presented by the Des Plaines Historical Society Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, April 11-27 at the Fisher-Wright House, 815 Center Street in Des Plaines. Show times are 8pm on Fridays, 7pm on Saturdays and 3pm on Sundays. Tickets prices for adults are $15.00/evening and $13.00/afternoon. Student tickets are $13.00/evening and $11.00/afternoon.

February 4, 1918: Fire Rages at Immanuel Lutheran School

Article from the May/June 2000 "Cobweb" Newsletter of the Des Plaines Historical Society. Read the article in pdf format here.

Preservation Resources Online

Part of our mission at the Des Plaines History Center is to preserve the history of Des Plaines. Our professional staff use standards set by the American Association of Museums in order to store and preserve the artifacts in our collection. For individuals interested in preserving heirlooms and