Skokie Heritage Museum

05/28/2026

JOIN US FOR OUR TIME CAPSULE SEALING!
In 2000, Skokians left this message for you. What will you leave for Skokians in 2050? Join us at the Skokie Public Library as we review materials collected from residents and local organizations from the year 2025 and seal them away in our next community time capsule to be opened in 2050! The event will have an opportunity to fill in question cards and sign a banner that will go into the capsule, so anyone can leave a message for the future. Reception will follow. This is a free event, and no pre-registration is required.

FREE EVENT!
🗓 Sunday, June 7, 1:30–3:30 p.m.
📍 Skokie Public Library, 5215 Oakton St.
❓ Questions? Please contact us at (847) 929-8001 or at [email protected]

This is a joint project of the Skokie Historical Society, Skokie Park District, and Skokie Public Library.

05/23/2026

Happy opening day, Devonshire Aquatic Center! Check out this throwback from 1971 of Devonshire Cultural Center's pool staff.

🔗 For Devonshire Aquatic Center hours and fees, visit their page here: https://www.skokieparks.org/devonshire-aquatic-center/

05/06/2026

🎉 Happy 145th birthday Skokie Fire Department! in 1881, the Niles Centre Volunteer Fire Company was officially organized after a local house fire. In 1887, the NCVFC built the 8031 Floral Ave. engine house where the Skokie Heritage Museum is housed today. A few short months later, villagers gathered there and voted to incorporate as the Village of Niles Centre (now the Village of Skokie).

📸 Pictured here is the Niles Centre Volunteer Fire Company with their water pumper and hose cart in 1881 outside the Niles Centre House (8046 Lincoln Ave.), owned and operated by Peter Blameuser. Four men are seated front and center, with the first fire chief and mayor of the Village, Adam Harrer, the rightmost of the four.

05/03/2026

The museum will be closed today, Sunday, May 3. We apologize for any inconvenience.

04/15/2026

Due to the ongoing flash flood watch and other possible severe weather in our area, we are cancelling tonight (4/15)'s History of Old Orchard Mall walking tour. The walk will also be offered next week at the same time - Wednesday, April 22 from 5-7 p.m. - and periodically throughout the summer. Hope to see you next week!

Pre-register online at: https://web2.myvscloud.com/wbwsc/ilskokiewt.wsc/search.html?SessionID=%3C?VSI-SessionID?%3E&module=AR&primarycode=110181

04/01/2026

RISE OF THE BUNGALOW WALKING TOUR
Learn about bungalow architecture and how the design reflects shifting societal values in the early 1900s, inspired in part by Jane Addams' Hull-House reformers and Frank Lloyd Wright's Prairie School. This will be a casual stroll with frequent stops to look at building exteriors around the Lorel Park area. Tour meets at the Skokie Heritage Museum.

🔗 Register here: https://bit.ly/3NMvwDJ
Fee: $15 (resident / non-resident). Drop-ins welcome.
Children under 10 free with a paid adult.

🗓 Sunday, April 19, 3–4:30 p.m.
📍 Skokie Heritage Museum, 8031 Floral Ave.

03/21/2026

📩 READ ALL ABOUT IT: Check out our spring newsletter with all the latest programming and news - including a new walking tour! Spring registration is now open for Skokie residents and will open for non-residents Sunday, March 22 at 8:30 a.m. Don't forget to subscribe to get future editions delivered straight to your inbox!

Email from Skokie Park District New walking tour and a "her-storical" play! Hours: Sundays 9 a.m.–2 p.m., Mondays & Thursdays 12–5 p.m., and by appointment Phone: (847) 929-8001 | Email: museum@skokie

03/13/2026

SUPER STEM VARIETY CAMP
Explore different STEM areas through experiments and open-ended design projects. This camp is filled with fun, hands-on STEM activities, including games, science-related crafts, and team-building activities. Each camp session has different activities. Instructor: Noggin Builders.

📌 Register here: https://bit.ly/40uUrhL

🗓 Tuesday–Thursday, March 31–April 2 at 9 a.m.–12 p.m., 1–4 p.m.
Extended lunch care option also available 12–1 p.m. each day.
📍 Skokie Heritage Museum, 8031 Floral Ave.

03/01/2026

📣 FREE! On Sunday, March 22, join lawyer Michele Honora Thorne as she shares how the Declaration of Independence and its stated ideals have inspired women at the time of its writing 250 years ago through to the modern day.

📆 Sun., March 22 | 2-3 p.m.
📍 Skokie Heritage Museum (8031 Floral Ave.)
➡️ Register in advance to reserve a seat: 💻 online at https://web2.myvscloud.com/wbwsc/ilskokiewt.wsc/search.html?SessionID=%3C?VSI-SessionID?%3E&module=AR&primarycode=410171 , 👥 in-person at any Skokie Park District facility, or 📞 over the phone at (847) 929-8001!
ℹ Free admission! Drop-ins welcome as space permits.

Join lawyer Michele Honora Thorne as she shares how the Declaration of Independence and its stated ideals have inspired women at the time of its writing 250 years ago through to the modern day.

02/27/2026

🍫 Learn about fudge's surprising past as a symbol of feminist independence for early college-attending women while enjoying some samples and an instructive cooking demonstration for a no-fail chocolate fudge recipe.

📆 Wed., March 4 | 5:30-6:30 p.m.
📍 Devonshire Cultural Center (4400 Greenwood St.)
ℹ Recommended for ages 7+. | Fee: $15 (resident)/$19 (non-resident)
➡️ Register in advance: 💻 online at https://web2.myvscloud.com/wbwsc/ilskokiewt.wsc/search.html?SessionID=%3C?VSI-SessionID?%3E&module=AR&primarycode=410177 , 👥 in-person at any Skokie Park District facility, or 📞 over the phone at (847) 929-8001!

01/22/2026

VINTAGE VALENTINES AT THE SKOKIE HERITAGE MUSEUM
Stop by the museum during our open hours Jan. 22-Feb. 15 to make vintage Victorian Era-themed valentines and crafts. Try your hand at paper quilling, silhouette making, and more! $5 per crafter.

💖 All ages welcome. No reservations needed.
🗓 Thursday, January 22–Sunday, February 15
ℹ️ Questions? Call the museum at (847) 929-8001 or email [email protected]