Quilt Cutting 2015
Heritage Quilters president Jan Knight gives directions on how to assemble the 2016 raffle quilt benefiting the McHenry County Historical Society. At right, veteran quilter Sue Stanek helps out Eileen Lane during the Jan. 14 annual Quilt Cutting Day at the museum.
Volunteer Appreciation Lunch
The Huntley High School Treble Choir entertained an estimated 80 attendees Dec. 10 at our annual Volunteer Appreciation Lunch - after everyone had an opportunity to revel in the ambiance of the Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer display. Pictured at left are event organizers and "Party Girls" (from left) Mary Jane Schuring, Marcia Lockwood, Diane Urban and Coral Scranton. Marcia Lockwood was named the 2014 Volunteer of the Year.
Too cool for school
Don Purn (left) and Bob Frenz talked to Marengo Community High School students in R.J. Meyer's advanced placement history class Dec. 2 at the museum. The pair educated students on the Civil War, then handed students over to researcher Craig Pfannkuche to review materials in the library.
Old courthouse tour, Woodstock
Rosette vent for the second-floor courtroom as seen from the attic.
Woodstock City Planner Nancy Baker led an informal tour of the Old Courthouse on the Woodstock Square the evening of Dec. 3 for members of the McHenry County Historic Preservation Commission and guests. Renovations include repairs to the roof and cupola, opening of a doorway in the north gallery (formerly the county clerk’s office), the removal of carpet and rubber treads on the spiral staircase leading to the second floor, removal of the front steps and structural masonry work. A study released in 2012 detailed $143,000 in immediate, critical needs in the building. The dome and cupola restoration is part of a $4.7-million plan to repair the former county courthouse and sheriff's house. Pictured below (from left) are Baker, historican Craig Pfannkuche, commission member Shawn Phillips and his wife, Paola.
Available here:
Our latest McHenry County Barn Quilt Brochure
On our Facebook Page, you'll find MUCH MORE information about our current events!
Welcome! Tree Sculptures Get Facelift
Since the mid-1960s, the McHenry County Historical Society has provided the methods and means of presenting McHenry County History to enrich life.
Please join us in marking our 52nd 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 from the first Sunday in May through the first Sunday in October – Tuesday through Friday from 1 until 4 p.m., and Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m. – and for special events. 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 (Website)
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 Northern Illinois Quilt Fest is over, but information remains available via these links:
- Barn Quilt & Quilt Garden Map
- Interactive public Google Map
Also, please take some time to explore our Website'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.
