Des Plaines History Center
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Research

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Our Collections

The Des Plaines History Center holds extensive collections of archives, photos, artifacts, art objects, and completed research focusing on the history of Des Plaines, Maine Township, and the broader historical trends that shaped our community. Material in our collections have been donated by local residents and entities, and they are cared for by our professional staff and volunteers. Some of the material is on display in our exhibits and used in our programs, but a majority is in storage at any given time. Nearly all of our photographic holdings have been digitized, and some of that material is available online at Des Plaines Memory. Our work is guided by our Collections Policy.

Research Services

We offer the work of our expert staff and volunteers for your research projects, including genealogy, houses, neighborhoods, businesses, and other topics. We will search our archives, photos, artifacts, and research files regarding any topic in local history. Due to the nature of our collections, we cannot guarantee positive results, but there is a favorable chance that we can find something for you! Most services are free for members. For non-members, we offer an initial 45-minute inquiry for free, and then our services are charged according to our fee schedule. Use the contact form below or call 847-391-5399 to start your research.

Throwback Thursday

We post photos and documents from our collections every Thursday on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Follow us to see all of the Throwback Thursday posts and keep up with our programs!

View fullsize On warm summer days, the Frisbie family cooled off on their home’s porches. The Charles A. and Rose Frisbie home stood at the corner of Graceland and Prairie Avenues. From left to right on the porch are Rose Frisbie (standing), Charles A. Frisb
View fullsize If you walked down Ellinwood between Center and Lee in the 1940s, this scene would greet you. Businesses along the street include Spiegler’s, Woolworth’s, Jewel, Super-Service Stores, and Dr. Saffold the Chriopodist. #throwbackthursday #t
View fullsize Last week, we received a question on the history of the local black experience. This is a question we've asked ourselves in the past and are asking ourselves again in response to the recent protests against systemic racism and police violence in the
View fullsize Have you enjoyed this week’s warm weather with a bike ride? These two girls decorated their bicycles with flowers and streamers for a bicycle parade on Ellinwood Street, between Lee and Graceland, circa 1945-1950. The bike on the right displays

Des Plaines Memory

Des Plaines Memory is an online archive of historical and cultural materials that illustrate the continuing story of Des Plaines, Illinois, the "City of Destiny." Content is curated by the Des Plaines History Center, the Des Plaines Public Library, community partners and individual users. The site, collections, and individual items are managed and maintained by the Des Plaines Public Library. Content of Des Plaines Memory are also on the Digital Public Library of America (DPLA).

Donations to the Collections

Please contact our staff before bringing in any donation for the historic collections. Do not ship or abandon your property at the museum without contact. We must first review your offer of historic artifacts, archives, photos, and other information. Due to the limitations of our historical scope, staff time investment, and storage space, we must be selective with what we accept. All offered material must pertain to the history of Des Plaines or Maine Township, cannot duplicate material we already possess, and should be accompanied by information about the history of the material. We also suggest that you make a monetary donation along with your historic material to help us care for and use the item. Use the contact form below, email research@desplaineshistory.org, or call 847-391-5399 to make a collections donation offering.

Research Requests & Donation Offers