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The Western Springs Historical Society was organized in 1966 for the purpose of displaying and preserving the material evidence of the lifestyles of settled families in the area. Work continues on materials and evidence prior to the incorporation of the village in 1886 to the present.
HISTORICAL SOCIETY OFFICERS
President: Kimberly Knake
Secretary: Harriett Potenza
Vice President: David Barritt
Treasurer: Yolanda Fabre-Shiloh
708-246-9230
The society is a nonprofit organization depending on financial assistance, time, talent and expertise of members of the society and residents of Western Springs. All financial needs of the society depend on membership dues, gifts memorial funds and special events such as the House Walk.
MEMBERSHIP FEES
| Life |
$500 |
| Patron |
$100 |
| Sustaining |
$50 |
| Family |
$25 |
| Individual |
$10 |
| Special Gifts |
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TOWER MUESEUM
Saturdays: 10:00 a.m. to Noon
The Historical Museum is located in the Historic Water Tower, The Village Green, 914 Hillgrove Avenue, in the center of Western Springs. The Water Tower is listed in The National Register of Historic Places in 1981. The museum houses exhibits, photographs and information relating to the history of Western Springs.
CHILDREN'S MUSEUM
3rd Floor of the Tower Museum
Saturday: 10:00 a.m. to Noon
Hands–on activities for children of all ages.
SPECIAL TOURS OF THE MUSEUM
By appointment
708-246-9230
MUSEUM ARCHIVES
Grand Avenue Community Center
2nd Floor
4211 Grand Avenue, Western Springs, IL
Tuesdays: 9:00 am to Noon
708-246-9230
Is the research and collection facility for the society.
The Trustees, Docents at the Museum and archival staff are all volunteers. Anyone interested in volunteering, please contact museum personnel at 708-246-9230.
EVENTS
PRESERVATION AWARDS
"Preserving our past, our present, and our future", describes the meaning behind the Western Springs Historical Society's annual Preservation Awards. These awards were created to recognize private as well as commercial and public buildings that maintain or preserve their historic or architectural integrity while undergoing restoration, renovation or expansion. In addition, one building receives the Good Neighbor Architecture Award. This award recognizes that preservation is not limited to older buildings and is given to newer construction which calls attention to architectural styles or represents examples of replications in design.
The preservation awards have been presented annually since 1996. Nominations are sought from village residents for houses that are at least 50 years old. Criteria used for awards have been established by the Department of the Interior and are recommended by the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency.
Photos of all award-winning houses are on display in the museum located in the water tower. The museum is open on Saturday's from 10 a.m. until Noon. The preservation committee accepts nominations each spring.
HOUSE WALK
The Historical Society sponsors a House Walk triennially. Visitors tour a number of vintage and new homes, featuring a variety of architectural styles and impressive interiors from all parts of the town. These homes reflect the variety, diversity and history of the village, which makes Western Springs a special place to live.
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