Click on headline for background story. Click HERE for pictures from event.
Join our board, help us make history
The McHenry County Historical Society & Museum is seeking historically minded individuals interested in shaping the future direction of the society by serving as board members. The commitment to our mission of “providing the methods and means of presenting McHenry County history to enrich life” is key to the society’s continued success. If you are interested in learning more or know of an individual you believe would embrace this important role, contact Governance Committee Chairman Greg Barry at 815-459-2050 or at gbarry@zrfmlaw.com.
Cool to be in school - July 27
Myrna Nelson taught these "students of life" the old fashioned way inside West Harmony School June 29. Children, ages 8 to 12, get their chance July 27. Reservations suggested.
Heritage Fair 2014
In a hotly contested Heritage Fair pie contest July 12, Jesse Garcia of Union emerged grand champion with this pecan pie – which featured chocolate and pretzels. Jesse, who is new to pie-baking, captured first in the "other" category. The remaining winners among the 15 entries were Jean Turner of Huntley, who finished first in both the fruit and berry categories; Eileen Lane, McHenry; Patty Johnson, Woodstock; Laurie Cisneros, Marengo; Jim Ratway, Woodstock; and Mary Argall, Union. Thanks to judges (pictured at left) Kathy Ferris, Laura Stricker and Dave Scranton.
Nancy Fike (left) leads another group of good sports through an old-fashioned cakewalk. At right, Katlin Gizbel explains the finer points of 19th-century prairie living in the Gannon log cabin. Below: Auctioneer Russ Davis is assisted by volunteers Gary Anderson, Grace Moline and (not pictured) Bob Frenz.
1860 "base ball"returns Aug. 23
McHenry County "Independants" 1860 Base Ball team with barrister Dave Oberg (far right). For more pictures click HERE
LEFT: Managers Greg "The Hammer" Schwanke and Kurt "Scoop" Begalka apologize to the crowd (somewhat half-heartedly) while Oberg looks on. RIGHT: Madam Scorekeeper Mary Montgomery soaks in the ambiance during June 21 game at Prairie Grove. Unfortunately, the Athletics' "gang" of base ball mercenaries prevailed in a spirited, but lopsided, 16-6 victory.
Win THE "Mostly Morris"quilt
This homage to the celebrated British wallpaper designer William Morris features a card trick pattern. The botanical-themed fabrics used by our Heritage Quilters mostly are from Barbara Brackman’s William Morris collections. She has created four collections over the past few years, each having 40 or more fabrics.
Available here:
Our latest McHenry County Barn Quilt Brochure
On our Facebook Page, you'll find MUCH MORE information about our current events!
Welcome!
Since the mid-1960's, the McHenry County Historical Society has provided the methods and means of presenting McHenry County History to enrich life.
Please join us in celebrating our 50th year!
On July 4, 1976, the Society's museum in Union, Ill. officially opened to the public.
Our comprehensive collection includes several preserved buildings:
The 1843 Gannon Log Cabin
An 1885 town hall, now known as Perkins Hall
A 20th Century modern tourist cabin, restored and housed INSIDE our Museum.
In 1982, a local history research library was added to the museum.
In 1988, we acquired the West Harmony School, an 1895 one-room schoolhouse now used for c.1900 school programs at our Museum location in Union.
In 2009, we acquired the 1898 Riley Methodist Church.
In 2010, we held our Business Diamond Jubilee, saluting McHenry County businesses in operation for 75 + years.
In 2011, we helped create the Northern Illinois Quilt Fest, in cooperation with many fine people across all six Northern Illinois counties.
Besides operating the museum, the Society plaques historic sites and structures, holds adult workshops and classes, makes available traveling exhibits and arranges a wide variety of school and other group programs. Funding for the Society comes from membership dues, admission fees, donations and a trust fund. Your support is always welcomed.
For many years, we have published a comprehensive quarterly newsletter, The Tracer. To receive this valuable resource, join our organization. Visit our Online Gift Shop. Learn more: watch a video about Oral History by the Northwest Herald.
The Museum is open May through October, Tuesday through Friday from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m., and Sunday from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m.. For more information visit The Museum. We very much appreciate your interest and invite you to participate.
Upcoming Events
JOIN US TO HELP PRESERVE
AND SHARE LOCAL HISTORY!
When you support the McHenry County Historical Society, many benefits become yours.
Did you know that WITHOUT ANY USE OF TAX DOLLARS, we continue to collect and hold in our collection, the three dimensional teaching artifacts of human progress? And, that our museum provides a family-oriented entertainment and educational destination, uniquely and interactively telling the ongoing story of McHenry County and its people?
And, that our research library (free to members) houses thousands of technical books and pamphlets; photographs; post cards; maps; journals; business, club, school and governmental records; local history books; biographical files; scrapbooks; newspapers; phone directories; high school yearbooks and knowledgeable people with answers to all sorts of questions you may ask?
And, that we create learning experiences and events, participating in the activities of like-minded organizations throughout McHenry County?
And, that our staff and volunteers have collective fun while teaching, learning and experiencing history together?
GET OUR NEWSLETTER!
Visit our Support page for even more details. One key benefit is our history-packed newsletter, The Tracer. Sixteen pages of news, articles, interviews, photographs and more will be mailed to you each quarter.
Members of the McHenry County Historical Society are amazing people.
Also, VOLUNTEER to help
share local history.
Great Resources!
The McHenry County Historic Preservation Commission (Web site)
has a valuable Preservation Trades Resource List (PDF), containing a wealth of references for those embarking on a historic preservation project.
It was compiled by the
McHenry County Joint Council of Historic Groups (visit their Twitter Feed)
The McHenry County Historical Society supports the work of these two fine organizations.
The 2011 Northern Illinois Quilt Fest has ended, but information is still available via these links:
- Barn Quilt & Quilt Garden Map
- Interactive public Google Map
Also, please take some time to explore our Web site's menus. There is a wealth of information available here for you to learn from. And, we're hoping you'll be inspired to participate in our efforts.
