About the Society
The McHenry County Historical Society & Museum serves as the primary organization preserving and promoting the history of McHenry County, Illinois. Located in Union, the Society operates a museum and research library that document over 175 years of county history, from pioneer settlement through modern development.
McHenry County, situated in the far northern reaches of Illinois near the Wisconsin border, has a distinctive character shaped by its rolling terrain, numerous lakes, and agricultural heritage. The county's proximity to both Chicago and Milwaukee influenced its development, creating communities that balanced rural traditions with suburban growth. The Historical Society documents this evolution, ensuring the stories of early settlers, farming families, and growing communities are preserved for future generations.
The Society operates with a mission to collect, preserve, and share McHenry County's history through exhibits, educational programs, research resources, and community engagement. Whether you're a researcher tracing family history, a student learning about local heritage, or simply curious about how the county developed, the Society provides valuable resources and welcoming expertise.
Research Library & Collections
The Society's Research Library serves as the primary repository for documentary materials related to McHenry County history. This specialized collection supports genealogists, local historians, students, authors, and anyone researching the county's past.
Library Holdings Include:
- Photographs - Thousands of historic images documenting people, places, events, and daily life across McHenry County from the 1850s forward
- Family Files - Genealogical materials, family histories, and biographical information on county residents
- Town & Village Histories - Materials on McHenry County communities including Algonquin, Crystal Lake, Harvard, Hebron, Huntley, Marengo, McHenry, Richmond, Union, Woodstock, and numerous smaller settlements
- County Histories - Published histories of McHenry County from various eras
- Maps & Atlases - Historic plat maps showing property ownership, road networks, and settlement patterns
- Newspapers - Microfilm and clippings from county newspapers
- Cemetery Records - Documentation of cemeteries throughout the county
- Church Records - Some records from congregations across the county
- School Materials - Yearbooks, school histories, and educational records
- Business Records - Documentation of county businesses and industries
- Military Records - Information on McHenry County veterans from various conflicts
Research Services
The library is open to researchers during scheduled hours. Staff and volunteers provide assistance with:
- Navigating collections and finding aids
- Locating information on specific families or topics
- Photocopying and photograph reproduction
- Research guidance and methodology suggestions
For those unable to visit in person, the Society may be able to perform limited research for specific inquiries. Contact through the website to discuss research needs and any associated fees.
West Harmony Schoolhouse Experience
One of the Society's most distinctive educational programs centers on the restored 1895 West Harmony one-room schoolhouse. This authentic rural schoolhouse has been carefully preserved and serves as a living history classroom, offering students an immersive experience of 19th-century education.
Educational Program Features:
- Period-Authentic Setting - The schoolhouse retains its original character with wood stove, slate boards, wooden desks, and period educational materials
- Costumed Interpretation - Educators dressed in period clothing portray teachers from the late 1800s
- Hands-On Learning - Students participate in lessons using 19th-century methods, materials, and curriculum
- Historical Context - Programs explain rural education, one-room school systems, and farm life
- Comparison & Contrast - Students connect past educational experiences with modern schooling
The West Harmony schoolhouse program has become popular with schools throughout northern Illinois. Teachers appreciate how it brings history textbooks to life, allowing students to experience rather than just read about the past. The program aligns with Illinois Learning Standards for social studies and history.
Programs are available for elementary and middle school groups. Contact the Society through their website to schedule a schoolhouse experience for your class or educational group.
Museum Exhibitions
The Society operates museum exhibition spaces featuring both permanent displays and rotating special exhibitions that explore different aspects of McHenry County history.
Permanent Exhibition Areas:
- Pioneer Settlement - Early exploration, Native American presence, and first European-American settlers in McHenry County
- Agriculture & Farming - County's farming heritage, agricultural equipment, and rural life
- Community Development - Growth of towns and villages throughout the county
- Transportation - Roads, railroads, and how transportation shaped county development
- Industry & Commerce - Manufacturing, businesses, and economic development
- Domestic Life - Home furnishings, clothing, and daily life across different eras
Special Exhibitions:
The museum regularly presents temporary exhibitions highlighting specific topics, time periods, or themes. Past exhibitions have explored subjects like McHenry County in World War II, the evolution of recreational activities around the county's lakes, historic architecture, and profiles of notable county residents.
McHenry County: A Brief History
Native American Heritage
Before European settlement, the McHenry County region was inhabited by Potawatomi and other Native American peoples. The area's numerous lakes, rivers, and diverse landscape provided rich hunting, fishing, and gathering resources. Native American trails crossed the region, some later becoming pioneer roads.
Early Settlement (1830s-1850s)
American settlement began in the early 1830s following the Black Hawk War and subsequent treaties that opened northern Illinois to Euro-American settlers. Early pioneers, many from New England and New York, established farms and small communities. The county was organized in 1836 and named after Major William McHenry, a War of 1812 veteran.
Towns began appearing: Woodstock (county seat), Crystal Lake, Harvard, Marengo, and others. Each community developed its own character, often influenced by the ethnic backgrounds of predominant settler groups—New Englanders, Germans, Irish, and others.
Agricultural Development (1850s-1920s)
Throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, McHenry County remained primarily agricultural. Dairy farming became particularly important, with the county gaining recognition for its cheese and butter production. Small creameries and cheese factories dotted the landscape.
Railroad connections to Chicago markets boosted agricultural prosperity. The county supplied food to growing cities while maintaining its rural character. One-room schoolhouses, country churches, and close-knit farming communities defined county life.
Recreation & Lakes (1900s-1950s)
McHenry County's numerous glacial lakes attracted Chicagoans seeking recreation and summer homes. Communities around Fox Lake, Crystal Lake, and other waters grew as resort destinations. This recreational development brought new economic opportunities and gradually changed the county's character.
Suburban Growth (1960s-Present)
The post-World War II suburban expansion eventually reached McHenry County. Improved highways made commuting to Chicago feasible, and new subdivisions transformed former farmland. The county's population grew dramatically, especially from the 1970s onward.
Today, McHenry County balances its agricultural heritage with suburban development, working to preserve historical character while accommodating growth. The Historical Society plays a vital role in this balance, documenting change while celebrating the county's roots.
Join & Support the Society
Membership Benefits:
- Supporting preservation of McHenry County history
- Newsletter with historical articles and Society news
- Free or discounted admission to programs and events
- Research privileges in the library
- Invitations to member events and exhibition openings
- Connecting with others who share interest in county history
Volunteer Opportunities:
The Society welcomes volunteers to assist with:
- Research library staffing and assistance
- Museum docent and visitor services
- Educational programs and West Harmony schoolhouse
- Collections care and cataloging
- Special events and programs
- Research projects and documentation
- Digital archiving and online presence
Visit mchenrycountyhistory.org for membership information, volunteer opportunities, and to learn more about supporting the Society's important work preserving McHenry County history.
Explore McHenry County's Past
Use the When It Was app to discover historical businesses and landmarks throughout McHenry County. See how your community evolved from farmland to the vibrant county it is today.
Explore When It Was →