Grayslake Heritage Center
The Grayslake Heritage Center located at 164 Hawley St, Grayslake, IL 60030 is not your typical museum. In fact, it’s one of the first century-old history museums in the country. When the Grayslake Heritage Center was founded in 1988, visitors could tour its original building on a walking path with rooms dedicated to local history and pioneer life. Now you can visit the center’s new home: The Genesee County Historical Society Headquarters at 601 North Main Street in Grayslake, Illinois. The headquarters features artifacts from Grayslake’s past such as Civil War relics and a recreated Victorian home, along with new exhibits about favorite village characters and community events of yesteryear. The society also holds public programs throughout each month for guests of all ages including art workshops, genealogy seminars and historical walking tours led by park rangers dressed in period attire. So next time you plan a visit, consider kicking off your day at the Grayslake Heritage Center: Illinois' first history museum dedicated to uncovering our state’s rich heritage. More here
Where is the Grayslake Heritage Center?
The Grayslake Heritage Center headquarters is located north of downtown Grayslake, near Lake Michigan and the North Main Historic District. The headquarters building itself is a replica of a turn-of-the-century home and can hold up to 96 visitors inside or outside on its deck. The Grayslake Heritage Center was established in 1988 by the Genesee County Historical Society as an alternative to the traditional museum. It was one of the first history museums dedicated to uncovering local history.
History of the Grayslake Heritage Center
The Grayslake Heritage Center’s history is the history of the Genesee County Historical Society. The society was founded in 1918, one year after the end of World War I, to promote history and genealogy in the area, particularly in Grayslake. Many of the society’s earliest efforts were focused on researching and preserving the history of the Grayslake area, including the Grayslake Heritage Center. The Grayslake Heritage Center was established in 1988 by the Genesee County Historical Society as an alternative to the traditional museum. It was one of the first history museums dedicated to uncovering local history. In 1996, the society acquired a building at 164 Hawley St, Grayslake, IL 60030 and renovated it to house the Grayslake Heritage Center.
Why Visit a Museum on Your Day off?
There are plenty of reasons to visit a museum while you're on vacation. You can learn about new topics you're interested in, or you may want to visit a museum near landmarks in your hometown. Many museums offer various programs for visitors of all ages, like education programs or family activities. You can also explore the museum's galleries, take a guided tour, and learn about the history of your hometown. And, of course, you can visit a museum out of curiosity, for the experience of visiting a new place, or to escape from everyday life for a little while. Museums are worth visiting for all of these reasons, and more.
Find Out About Our Favorite Village Characters and Events
If you’re an avid Grayslake history enthusiast, then you’ll love learning about our favorite village characters and events. There are plenty of village characters and events to go around, including two founders of the Grayslake Heritage Center. In the mid-twentieth century, the Grayslake Heritage Center was founded by two women who were interested in preserving Grayslake’s history. Margaret DeWees Morse, who is also the namesake of Morse Park, founded the Grayslake Heritage Center in 1946. Margaret DeWees Morse was a Grayslake native and daughter of Judge R.W. Morse, a judge in Grayslake who was instrumental in creating the North Main Historic District. Next article
Plan to Host a Program at the Grayslake Heritage Center
If you’d like to host a program at the Grayslake Heritage Center, please let us know. We have plenty of space with several rooms on our ground floor and a large garden for events. We offer a variety of programs based on interest, such as art workshops and genealogy sessions. You can also host a panel discussion or a lecture. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office at 847-944-4444 or email events@geneseeheritage.org.
Conclusion
With a history dating back to the mid-twentieth century, the Grayslake Heritage Center is one of the oldest history museums in the country. If you love history and exploring other museums, then the Grayslake Heritage Center is an excellent choice. The center features community-focused exhibits, an extensive genealogy library and collection, and outdoor gardens for outdoor events.
