Illinois is home to nearly 600 historical societies, preservation organizations, and heritage groups. From the Chicago History Museum—one of America's premier urban history institutions—to small-town societies preserving local heritage, these organizations maintain vital connections to Illinois' rich past.
Statewide Organizations
Arlington Heights Historical Museum
Location: Arlington Heights, IL
Founded: 1967
Five-building museum complex established in 1967 tells the story of suburban American life. Features the 1882 Frederick Muller House, 1896 Log Cabin, Coach House with vintage vehicles, and extensive suburban history archives. Cooperative effort of the Village, Park District, and Historical Society. Located at 110 W
Website: ahmuseum.org
Arlington Heights Historical Museum
Location: Arlington Heights, IL
Founded: 1957
The Arlington Heights Historical Society was founded in 1957 by a group of residents dedicated to preserving the village's rich history
Website: ahmuseum.org
Chicago History Museum
Location: Chicago, IL
Founded: 1856
The museum's extensive holdings include approximately 22 million artifacts, documents, and photographs spanning Chicago's 200-year history. The costume collection alone features more than 50,000 pieces dating from the 18th century to the present, including couture pieces and garments worn by notable Chicago residents
Website: chicagohistory.org
DeKalb County History Center
Location: Sycamore, IL
Unique collaborative hub coordinating over a dozen historical organizations across DeKalb County including Blackwell History of Education Museum, Ellwood House Museum, and local societies in Hinckley, Kirkland, Sandwich, and Sycamore
Website: dekalbcountyhistory.org
Genealogy Society of Southern Illinois
Location: Carterville, IL
Assists researchers with Southern Illinois ancestry, local history, and family connections. Covers multi-county area with unique settlement patterns from Kentucky/Tennessee migration, French heritage, and coal mining communities. Provides specialized research guidance for "Little Egypt" region
Website: rootsweb.com/~ilgssi
Genealogy Society of Southern Illinois
Location: Illinois
The Genealogy Society of Southern Illinois serves family historians and genealogists researching ancestry in the southern Illinois region
Website: Search for current contact details
Illinois State Historical Society
Location: Springfield, IL
Founded: 1899
The Society publishes two distinguished periodicals that serve different audiences
Website: historyillinois.org
Kendall County Historical Society
Location: Yorkville, IL
Founded: 1970
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
Website: kendallcountyhistory.org
Long Grove Historical Society
Location: Long Grove, IL
Founded: 1974
Maintains the historic character of Long Grove village through preservation advocacy, education, and celebrating rural German heritage. Active role in protecting historic buildings and downtown character
Website: longgroveonline.com
McHenry County Historical Society & Museum
Location: Union, IL
Founded: 1963
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
Website: mchenrycountyhistory.org
Mount Prospect Historical Society
Location: Mount Prospect, IL
Founded: 1967
Preserves and presents the history of Mount Prospect and surrounding northwest suburban area through exhibits, programs, and archival collections. Documents German immigrant heritage and transformation from farmland to modern suburb
Website: mtphist.org
Palatine Historical Society
Location: Palatine, IL
Founded: 1955
Formed in 1955, the Society operates the George Clayson House Museum (built 1873) and adjoining Carriage House. Collections include extensive archives with yearbooks, obituaries, photos of early families and homes, and Palatine's first fire engine. Free tours available during open hours
Website: palatinehistory.org
Sangamon County Historical Society
Location: Springfield, IL
Founded: 1961
Perpetuates and creates interest in Springfield and Sangamon County history through programs, events, and publications. Famous for annual Cemetery Walk bringing historical figures to life. Members receive Historico newsletter nine times yearly covering local history topics
Website: sangamonhistory.org
South Suburban Genealogical and Historical Society
Location: Hazel Crest, IL
Premier genealogy research library for South Cook County and East Will County. Extensive collections include censuses, funeral home records, cemetery records, unique Pullman Car Works personnel files, church histories, and "Where The Trails Cross" journal
Website: ssghs.org
South Suburban Genealogical and Historical Society
Location: Illinois
The South Suburban Genealogical and Historical Society serves as the premier research facility for family historians and genealogists investigating South Cook County and East Will County families
Springfield & Central Illinois African American History Museum
Location: Illinois
The Springfield and Central Illinois African American History Museum (SPIAAHM) serves as a vital institution preserving and celebrating the often-overlooked history of African Americans in central Illinois
Website: spiaahm.org
Springfield and Central Illinois African American History Museum
Location: Springfield, IL
Preserves and celebrates African American heritage in central Illinois. Features exhibitions on the Underground Railroad, Springfield's Black community, the 1908 Race Riot, civil rights era, and cultural achievements. Research resources available for genealogists and historians
Website: spiaahm.org
Stark County Historical Society
Location: Toulon, IL
Preserves rural Stark County heritage through museum and archives. Quintessential agricultural Illinois county history from pioneer settlement through modern farming. Located at 318 West Jefferson in Toulon, the Society's museum complex includes three significant buildings that tell Stark County's story. Dr
Warren County History Museum
Location: Monmouth, IL
Founded: 1970
Established 1968, documents Warren County history through exhibits and research collections. Serves west-central Illinois with materials on agriculture, railroads, Monmouth College, and community development
Website: wchistorymuseum.com
Wheeling Historical Society
Location: Wheeling, IL
Founded: 1894
Documents and preserves the heritage of Wheeling and surrounding communities through archival collections and educational programming. Maintains records of village development from pioneer settlement to modern suburb
McHenry County Historical Society & Museum
Location: Union, IL
Founded: 1963
Collects and preserves McHenry County history through Research Library and museum exhibits. Offers acclaimed educational programs including immersive experiences at restored 1895 West Harmony one-room schoolhouse
Website: mchenrycountyhistory.org
Don't See Your Society?
We're continuously adding Illinois historical societies to our directory. If your organization isn't listed, please submit it so others can discover your work preserving local history.
Submit Your SocietyAdditional Illinois History Resources
- Illinois Historic Preservation Agency - State historic sites and preservation programs
- Landmarks Illinois - Statewide preservation advocacy organization
- Illinois State Genealogical Society - Preserving data on Illinois families and individuals
- Illinois Heritage Association - Supporting local history throughout the state