About KHS
The Mission of the Kenilworth Historical Society is to preserve, interpret, and celebrate the unique history, architecture, and traditions of the village and to foster an appreciation of Kenilworth’s heritage through museum exhibits, curatorial work, social gathering, educational programs, and the coordination of architectural tours.
Assembly Hall
The first organized public exhibit of the Kenilworth Historical Society was held in 1961 in the Kenilworth Assembly Hall. The exhibit showcased many of the Kenilworth and Sears family artifacts collected since the Historical Society’s founding. The exhibit also spurred increased efforts to secure a permanent home for the Kenilworth Historical Society and its collection.
The hope of a permanent home was secured when in 1970 Historical Society President, Dr. Harold S. Schildberg, was approached by Harriet and Elisabeth Stuart, who wished to donate money if the Historical Society could gather the plans for a permanent housing. The Stuart sisters offered money from the estate of their late brother, Harold Leonard Stuart. Construction of what became known as the Stuart Memorial Building began March 1, 1971 and was completed on March 23, 1972. Since its completion, the Stuart Memorial Building has been home to both the Kenilworth Historical Society and the offices of the Village of Kenilworth.
The first meeting
The founding of the Kenilworth Historical Society was first proposed by Dr. Rufus Stolp at a gathering in 1921 at the home of Victor and Louisa Sanborn. Charter members included: Mary and Dr. Rufus Stolp, Victor and Louisa Sanborn, Warren and Christine Pease, and Edward and Nellie Parmalee, with Dr. Stolp becoming the first president of the Kenilworth Historical Society.
The first meeting was held on October 30, 1922 at the residence of Mrs. Helen Sears. Eighty-six Kenilworth residents were in attendance at the first meeting where presentations were given by both Helen Sears and Dr. Charles Smith, first secretary of the Kenilworth Company.
Through the years, Kenilworth Historical Society meetings and programs were held in the Kenilworth Assembly Hall. Artifacts, records, and photographs were collected forming the base of the Kenilworth Historical Society’s collection. As the Historical Society had no home of its own this fledgling, yet growing, collection was stored in attics, basements, garages, and spare rooms of Society members.
