Arlington Heights Historical Society & Museum

09/03/2026

Starting September 4th, the Arlington Heights Historical Museum will now be offering tours on Fridays at 1:30pm! Tours will continue to be offered at 10:30am on Saturdays, call 847.255.1225 to confirm. We look forward to seeing you!

09/02/2026

Lost for decades in our textile storage, but now found! ✨ This shawl belonged to Nellie Noyes, who grew up to help found our local library. It's a reminder of the hidden history in our own collection. Have you ever found a forgotten treasure in your attic? Tell us below!

09/02/2026

Stop by this week to see if you can find the artifact featured in this week's scavenger hunt! Once you've got your answer let our front desk attendant know. If you're one of the first five correct people you will win a bottle of our Arlington Club pop! The museum is open Wednesday through Sunday 10AM-4PM

08/31/2026

Thanks again to Suburb Talk for publishing our Gift Shop Case article. After reading the article, come by to learn more about Julie Wright.

In Arlington Heights, Julie Hinds Wright has immersed herself in volunteering. But the Arlington Heights Historical Society & Museum shares her years as a child interned by Japanese forces during World War II: https://www.suburbtalk.com/2026/08/28/the-child-who-survived-the-campus-of-shadows/

08/26/2026

From the 1873 wedding table of Fred and Elise Muller straight to our museum display. 🥄✨ These spoons are more than just silver; they’re a multi-generational time capsule of an Arlington Heights family. Do you have any treasures in your home that tell your family’s history? Share your stories with us! 🏠

08/19/2026

A diary written in secret. A story of survival against all odds. 📔 When the Hinds family moved to Manila in 1941, they never expected to spend the next three years fighting for their lives in the Santo Tomas concentration camp. This September, we’re sharing their powerful journey. Come visit the museum to view Lonnie Hinds' diary and discover how this incredible local family helped shape the history of Arlington Heights. Your next piece of local history is waiting. 👣

08/19/2026

Calling all detectives! Join us for Mystery at the Historical Museum on Saturday, September 12th. You and your team will be provided clues that will help you track down the correct artifacts and solve a mystery! Everyone will receive a soda pop reward.
Register here ➡ https://anc.apm.activecommunities.com/ahpd/activity/search/detail/96998?onlineSiteId=0&from_original_cui=true

08/12/2026

Advertising was a little more elegant in 1910! ✨ This commemorative calendar plate was a "complimentary gift" from Fred W. Gieseke, a local shopkeeper who knew the value of branding. By gifting a beautiful, functional piece of porcelain featuring Niagara Falls, Gieseke kept his store—and his phone number—in the homes of his patrons 365 days a year. It’s a classic example of early customer loyalty marketing! 🍽️🗓️