About the Historical Society
Preserves and shares Kendall County history through exhibits, programs, and research services. Documents transformation from agricultural county to rapidly growing suburban area southwest of Chicago.
Lyon Farm - Living History Complex
Chartered in 1970, the Society operates Lyon Farm, described as the "crown jewel" of Kendall County's historical preservation efforts. Located at 7935 Route 71 in Yorkville, between Yorkville and Oswego, the farm features 15 historic buildings assembled along turn-of-the-century Dunbar Lane that trace the county's development from pioneer settlement through agricultural expansion. The impressive collection includes an 1840s schoolhouse, a fully stocked general store, a working blacksmith shop, a town hall, and an 1918 Chicago Burlington & Quincy railroad caboose, offering visitors an immersive experience of rural Illinois life across multiple eras.
Collections and Research Library
Lyon Farm houses a wonderful assortment of historical items from Kendall County's earliest days, with particular strengths in farm tractor history and early 20th-century farming tools. The collection includes antique furniture, agricultural implements, and artifacts documenting daily life in rural Kendall County. The Society maintains a research library with extensive holdings related to the county and its residents, serving genealogists, local historians, and researchers. Those interested in accessing the archive should call (630) 553-6777 to schedule an appointment.
As an educational and cultural institution, the Kendall County Historical Society provides a tangible connection to the county's agricultural heritage while documenting its rapid transformation from farmland to one of the fastest-growing suburban counties in Illinois. The Society's commitment to moving and preserving threatened historic structures has created a unique open-air museum that tells the story of rural American life and the dramatic changes that reshaped the Chicago metropolitan region.
Planning Your Visit
The Kendall County Historical Society's Lyon Farm is located at 7935 Route 71 in Yorkville, Illinois, between Yorkville and Oswego, where its 15 historic buildings make for an immersive open-air history experience. Researchers wishing to use the Society's research library should call (630) 553-6777 to schedule an appointment. Because hours for the farm and archive vary seasonally, visitors are encouraged to confirm details before arriving. For current event listings, tour information, and membership, visit the Society's website at kendallcountyhistory.org.
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