Des Plaines History Center

About Us

The Des Plaines Historical Society operates the Museum in its efforts to preserve the American History of the Des Plaines, Illinois area. Through exhibits, programs and publications, you can explore the days of the past. The museum features changing local history and house exhibits. Interactive exhibits make this a must for family visits. Be sure to visit the museum often - The exhibits are ever changing.

Our extensive Research Library of American History and Genealogy, open to the public, has collected approximately 10,000 three dimensional items and 35,000 pieces of paper ephemera, including 8,000 photographs, biographies, city directories, census rolls, cemetery records, and more, chronicling the genealogy and American history of the community.

In 1985, the Society, City of Des Plaines, Illinois and the Des Plaines Park District formed an inter local agreement. To assure long term care of the facility, each of the three entities annually contributes to its maintenance.