about
Kenilworth
Our mission at the Kenilworth Historical Society is to preserve, interpret and celebrate the unique history, architecture and traditions of the village and foster an appreciation of Kenilworth’s heritage through museum exhibits, curatorial work, social gatherings, educational programs and the coordination of architectural tours.
Portrait of George Maher, c. 1900, KHS
The Kenilworth Historical Society
The Kenilworth Historical Society is celebrating its ninety-eighth birthday this year. We are proud to be Kenilworth’s official guardian of memories via our collection of written material, artifacts, and images accumulated through the years. We would be happy to welcome new members to our organization. We are also looking for new board members. For any questions give us a call or email us.
At the museum
FEATURED ARTIFACT
Bes-Ben Hats
1990.4.1, 1999.25, 2001.5.1, 2015.12
Through the 1960s, hats were worn daily by most women. The Kenilworth Historical Society’s costume collection contains over three dozen women’s hats. Most notably, KHS has four hats from the famed millinery Bes-Ben, donated by long-time Kenilworth resident, Marie Bonnell. Dubbed Chicago’s “Mad Hatter”, Benjamin Green-Field of Bes-Ben, designed eccentric and flamboyant hats popular among the region’s affluent women and numerous celebrities, including Hedda Hopper, Marlene Dietrich, and Elizabeth Taylor. Green-field was known for decorating his hats with unusual items such as kitchen utensils, and a variety of figures, including miniature animals, cigarette packs, and skyscrapers. Bes-Ben hat prices ranged from $80 to $1,000. Once a year, women lined up outside his flagship shop at 938 N. Michigan Ave. to purchase a hat for just $5.
Learn more about the collections
