Membership
Membership fees increased slightly on September 1, 2025 to help offset rising costs and the cuts to funding for Museums, Historical Societies, and Humanities organizations nationwide. We appreciate your understanding.
Becoming a member is the best way for you to stay in touch with the Des Plaines History Center and support our work! Join and pay online or download the Membership Brochure.
Des Plaines History Center members receive Members receive valuable benefits, including: free admission to Coffee Talks (non-members pay $10), a copy of our quarterly Cobweb history magazine, discounts on all items in our Gift Shop, free tours of the Kinder House Museum (non-members pay $5), discounts on Research Fees, eNewsletters about programs and events, and reciprocal benefits at other historical museums as part of the Time Travelers program.
Thank you for supporting our work!
Coffee Talks
Admission to Coffee Talks is free for History Center members and $10 for nonmembers. Memberships and fees help defray the rising costs of presenting this popular, long-running monthly series. We appreciate your support!
Giving a Donation
Your tax-deductible donations help fund the History Center's educational programs, exhibits, historical collections preservation, and other operating expenses. The Des Plaines History Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, organized and incorporated in the State of Illinois under the name Des Plaines Historical Society. Contributions are tax deductible within the limits of current federal and state law. We issue receipts for all financial donations.
Annual Higher Education Scholarship Fund
Each year, the History Center is proud to offer a $1,000 Higher Education Scholarship to a graduating Des Plaines high school senior. Applicants write a 500-word history-related essay, list details of their school and community activities, and provide letters of recommendation from teachers and counselors. Your generous donation to this special fund helps a deserving student continue their education. Every dollar can help change a life. Thank you for your gift!
Thank You to our Business Members!
Chromatech Printing, Inc.
Community Consolidated School District 62
Des Plaines Art Guild
Des Plaines Community Foundation
Des Plaines Garden Club
Jodi Christman, Edward Jones
Frisbie Senior Center
G.L. Hills Funeral Home
Hanlin Management, Inc.
Haring & Associates
J.B. Metal Works, Inc.
Kiwanis Club of Des Plaines
Little City Foundation
Maryville
Onesti Entertainment, Des Plaines Theatre
OWL Hardwood Lumber Company
Plato Academy
Scharm Floor Covering
Scott Seifert, Edward Jones
Stan Kotecki Photography
Village Bank & Trust, a Wintrust Bank
Yearwood and Associates, Ltd.