Exhibits and Collections

Kenilworth Centennial Homes, 1889-1924

Exhibit Opens Sunday, April 21, 2024

Our upcoming exhibition, Kenilworth Centennial Homes, 1889-1924, explores the history
of Kenilworth’s oldest homes built from the 1890s through the 1920s.

Kenilworth is almost entirely a village of private residences. Since its founding in 1889, Kenilworth has been a desirable place to build or purchase a home and raise a family. Kenilworth’s homes are known for their high standard of construction. Now that it has been nearly 135 years since the first residence was built in the village, Kenilworth has hundreds of century-old homes.

In celebration of the community’s architectural significance, the Kenilworth Historical Society presents Kenilworth Centennial Homes, 1889-1924. This exhibit explores the history of Kenilworth’s 100-year-old homes, highlighting notable examples, early residents, architects, architectural styles, and the evolution of residential development in the village. The exhibit includes old photographs, original documents, and fascinating stories behind Kenilworth’s oldest homes. Visitors will gain insights into the rich history and architectural legacy of Kenilworth through this engaging presentation.

The exhibit will open be open through February 15, 2025.

Presenting the Alden Finney Brooks Collection

16. Alden Brooks Portrait “Presenting the Alden Finney Brooks Collection” showcased the artwork of Alden Finney Brooks, a Chicago painter with a unique connection to Kenilworth.

Alden Finney Brooks (1840-1932) was an American artist well-respected in the Chicago art scene of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He worked primarily in oil paint and watercolors. Brooks and his wife Ellen raised an artistically inclined family near Hyde Park, Chicago. Their eldest daughter, Elizabeth Brooks Maher, was a watercolor painter married to Prairie School architect, and local legend, George W. Maher. Alden Finney Brooks spent his remaining years on the North Shore, where two of his daughters lived. His time in Kenilworth is captured in several of his paintings, including some that were on display in the exhibit.

Alden Finney Brooks’ work is found in the collections of the Chicago History Museum, Chicago Public Library, Metropolitan Museum of Art, and National Portrait Gallery. In 2020, the Kenilworth Historical Society acquired nearly 90 paintings by Alden Finney Brooks, greatly enhancing our existing collection of his work.

The exhibit was on display from May 2023 to February 2024.

History and Development of Kenilworth

Permanent Exhibition

“History and Development of Kenilworth” is a permanent exhibition at the Kenilworth Historical Society that was opened in 2021. This exhibition serves as a comprehensive introduction to the village’s rich history. In addition to detailed text panels with historical images, visitors will find interactive touchscreen displays for a hands-on approach to exploring local history.

Permanent Exhibit Gallery Space

Permanent Exhibit Interactive Touchscreen Display

1920s in Kenilworth

Women in cloche hats seated at a Kenilworth Union Church Sunday School Class, 1921.

Cover of Village Vanities program, c. 1926, KHS

This exhibit explored the changes that came to Kenilworth during the 1920s.

In the aftermath of World War I, the entire world was shaken and underwent many changes socially, politically, and technologically. Kenilworth was no exception. In this exhibit we explored those changes within Kenilworth and highlighted the fashion, lifestyle, and community during the decade.

In this era we saw the prohibition of alcohol, increase in global wealth and organized crime, Flapper fashion, the Charleston, Jazz, and women finally getting the rights of citizenship. This was the decade of extravagance, opulence, and independence which gave rise to styles like Art Deco and clothing that reflected these new social freedoms.

The exhibit was on display from March 2020 to March 2023.

Distinctly His Own:
The Life of George W. Maher

Distinctly His Own: The Life of George W. Maher was displayed from September 2018 – February 2020

This exhibit explored the life of renowned architect and Kenilworth resident, George W. Maher. Following his rise to success, his influence in the planning and development of Kenilworth, to his tragic ending.

Born on Christmas 1864 in West Virginia, George Maher grew up along the banks of the Ohio River in New Albany, Indiana. He made his way to Chicago and found work in the architectural offices of Joseph Lyman Silsbee. While there his ideas on architecture developed alongside fellow draftsman, Frank Lloyd Wright. As a contemporary of Wright, Maher would go on to make his own significant contributions to Prairie School architecture across the United States.

He made his home in Kenilworth. Not just in the house he built for his family, but also in the community he helped build around it. During his lifetime he designed and built some 40 structures in Kenilworth and many more that can still be seen across Chicago and its suburbs.

Yet for all the architectural achievements he is known for, discovering George Maher the individual is the focus of our new exhibit. He was a man who surrounded himself with friends and family and found joy in automobiles and agricultural projects. He was also a man who suffered from severe mental issues that ultimately brought an early end to his life and work.

Distinctly His Own: The Life of George W. Maher was displayed from September 2018 – February 2020

100 Years of Scouting in Kenilworth

Artie Bergman Jr. and Charlie Barnes, c. 1970, KHS

An exhibit made in collaboration with Kenilworth’s Troop 13 Scouts to commemorate their 100th anniversary in 2019.

The exhibit explores the three different eras that defined Troop 13 throughout its long and rich history. Prior to the establishment of the Boy Scouts, there was the Kenilworth Cadets, which similarly acted as an organization for boys to learn skills like camping and self-discipline, but also military drills.

The first era of Scouting in Kenilworth, known as the Townley Era, saw more than just the development of Troop 13, it also shaped and strengthened the morals, principles, and sense of camaraderie held by the boys of the village. Troop 13 in Kenilworth was formed in 1919 under its first scoutmaster Carl Keith. It was Carl’s son and scout, Elbridge, who wrote to the National Scout Headquarters in New York City to officially establish the Scout Troop in Kenilworth. Carl Keith only served as scoutmaster for two years until he was succeeded by Roy Jarrett and later Bob Townley in 1922 who would remain scoutmaster for the next 33 years, inspiring generations of Kenilworth’s youth.

The second era primarily led by two scoutmasters, Artie Bergman and Charlie Barnes, both were scouts under Townley and eventually assistant scoutmasters as well. During their era Troop 13 saw even more growth, with the development of the Explorers and Cub scouts. More community oriented projects and fundraisers, including the popular annual Pancake Breakfast event.

The third, Current Era, has been led by the mentees of Artie and Charlie and have had many reasons to celebrate as the honors of Troop 13 continue to grow, the 100th anniversary being least among the great things Troop 13 scouts and scout leaders continue to do for their community.

The Boy Scouts Exhibit was displayed from May 2019 – November 2019

Explore our NEW online exhibit that gives new life and updates to our past exhibit, 100 Years of Scouting in Kenilworth.

In Her Own Right:
Marion Mahony Griffin

Gallery showing exhibit on Marion Mahony Griffin, c. 2018, KHS

“In Her Own Right”: Marion Mahony Griffin was generously loaned from the Elmhurst History Museum in Elmhurst, IL.

This exhibit shares the intriguing story of architect, artist, and naturalist Marion Mahony Griffin. Born in 1871, mere months before the Great Chicago Fire, Marion grew up with her family in Winnetka before returning to Chicago in 1879. She became only the second woman to graduate from MIT with a degree in architecture and was the first woman registered to practice architecture in Illinois at a time when the glass ceiling for women was suffocatingly low.

Model designed by Marion Mahony Griffin, Courtesy of Paul Kruty, KHS

As a designer in Frank Lloyd Wright’s studio Marion had an essential role in the majority of the drawings in the 1910 German publication that brought Wright international recognition. While working for Wright, Marion met her husband and architectural partner, Walter Burley Griffin. They left Wright’s studio to pursue a project creating Australia’s new capital, Canberra. From there they made a significant impact creating a model suburb outside of Sydney, along with numerous other projects around Australia and India. Marion returned to Chicago following Walter’s death in 1937, where she settled in Roger’s Park with her sister’s family until her death in 1961. The exhibit illustrates her incredible life through text, images, scale models of her work, original artwork, and scholar interviews.

In Her Own Right: Marion Mahony Griffin was displayed from May-July 2018

How Can I Help You:
Business and Commerce in Kenilworth

How Can I Help You: Business in Kenilworth was displayed from May-November 2017

How Can I Help You: Business and Commerce in Kenilworth highlighted the businesses and people that were integral to the founding of Kenilworth and were cornerstones of the Kenilworth community.

The Kenilworth Company, Blann Pharmacy, the original Kenilworth Store, The North Shore Line, The Chicago & North Western Railroad, as well as a brief history of planning and zoning were all highlighted within the exhibition. The exhibition extended through to the main streets of Kenilworth. Window clings were posted in twelve shop windows along Green Bay Road and Park Drive. Each cling contained historical photographs and information specific to the address and business where it was posted.

This exhibit was generously sponsored by:

How Can I Help You: Business in Kenilworth was displayed from May-November 2017

Focus on Violet Wyld

Violet Wyld documented life in Kenilworth for more than 30 years, known as the photographic chronicler of the village.

Her legacy to our village is her collection of remarkable photographs which captured the local events, homes, pets and families of Kenilworth. Focus on Violet Wyld uncovered the many dimensions of her eventful life through her own words and her extraordinary photographs.

When Violet wasn’t with her camera, she was playing with animals or walking through one of Kenilworth’s parks. Violet had an extra appreciation of animals and the beauty of natural surroundings, which was instilled through summers spent at her uncle, George Maher’s, Michigan farm.

Focus on Violet Wylde was displayed from Oct 2016 – 2017

Celebrating the History of Kenilworth

Celebrating the History of Kenilworth is an ongoing exhibit in the Train Station.

It’s comprised of 16 rotating panels covering different key stories, people, and events from the village’s history.

Celebrating the History of Kenilworth was first displayed in 2014. The exhibit was updated with two more panels in 2019.

Kenilworth Traditions Exhibit

The Tradition exhibit explores many of Kenilworth’s well kept traditions such as holding the Memorial Day Parade a week early.

The story goes that in 1919, the newly formed Kenilworth Boy Scouts were asked to march in the Winnetka Memorial Day Parade (known as Decoration Day at that time). So they wouldn’t embarrass themselves, they practiced a week early throughout the streets of Kenilworth. Ever since then, the village has been hosting its official parade a week early. The exhibit also covers other traditions such as Field Day, the Girl Scout’s Scamper Night, Pancake Breakfast, and many more.

Kenilworth Traditions Exhibit was displayed from 2012-2013.

The Art of Kenilworth

Art of Kenilworth was an exhibit that focused on Kenilworth artists and the work of artists in our collections.

The exhibit reached beyond our collections to also feature current residents who were willing to share their artworks. The exhibition featured some up-and-coming artists as well as more renowned artists, such as Alden Finney Brooks, Barbara Barry Barret, Violet Wyld, and Wesley Bowman. Organized by artist and accompanied with a biography of each artist and their pieces, the Art of Kenilworth exhibit is unlike any the Kenilworth Historical Society has done before or since. Multiple mediums were displayed, from photographs and portraits, to sculptures and prints.

The Art of Kenilworth was displayed from 2010-2011.

Art of Kenilworth was an exhibit that focused on Kenilworth artists and the work of artists in our collections.

The Art of Kenilworth was displayed from 2010-2011.

Past Exhibits

How Can I Help You: Business and Commerce in Kenilworth exhibit, c. 2017, KHS

Many of our exhibition resources continue to be available online.

View a selection of the images, brochures, special features, and virtual tours of shows no longer on view at the Kenilworth Historical Society.

Presenting the Alden Finney Brooks Collection

1920s in Kenilworth

Distinctively His Own: The Life of George W. Maher

Distinctly His Own:
The Life of George W. Maher

Artie Bergmand and Charlie Barnes, c. 1960s

100 Years of Scouting in Kenilworth

Distinctively His Own: The Life of George W. Maher exhibit

In Her Own Right:
Marion Mahony Griffin

How Can I Help You:
Business and Commerce in Kenilworth

Focus on Violet Wyld

Train Station Exhibit - Exhibit Intro Final 20140315

Celebrating the History of Kenilworth

Kenilworth Traditions Exhibit

The Art of Kenilworth

View from the Path: Jens Jensen in Kenilworth

Exhibits & Collections

A look at the collections storage, c. 2019, KHS

The Kenilworth Historical Society’s exhibition and collections document the lives, architecture and culture of the community.

Explore the variety of past exhibitions and learn how to donate to our collection of artifacts, photographs and documents. (Images in this section are published for educational use under the umbrella of the Fair Use doctrine.)

History and Development of Kenilworth

Permanent Exhibition

Permanent Exhibit Gallery Space

Permanent Exhibit Interactive Touchscreen Display

Kenilworth Centennial Homes, 1889-1924

Exhibit Opens Sunday, April 21, 2024

Our upcoming exhibition, Kenilworth Centennial Homes, 1889-1924, explores the history
of Kenilworth’s oldest homes built from the 1890s through the 1920s.

The exhibit will open be open through February 15, 2025.

Collections

A look at the collections storage, c. 2019, KHS

The collections of Kenilworth Historical Society encompasses archives, photographs, art, artifacts, books and other objects, relating to the history of Kenilworth, IL from late 19th century to present.

Primary focus of the materials collected are relevant to the growth and development of the village and the organizations and the individuals associated with Kenilworth, IL.

Kenilworth historical society collects objects with historic, cultural or aesthetic value or having historical significance to people, events and organizations of Kenilworth, IL. Collecting is an on-going process and the curatorial staff continues to research and actively seek artifacts and archival material that are expected to have future historic significance.

Collection Categories

There are 3 primary collection categories – Library, General Collections (Art, Artifact, Textiles and Photographs) and Archives.

Library collection comprises of non-accessioned books located in library/conference room.
General collection comprises of Art, Artifacts (3D objects, textiles, furniture and personal artifacts etc.) and Photographs.
Archives comprises of General Reference material, Film, Audio and Video (A/V) and Architectural collections (House history files, Architect database, maps and blueprints etc.)

How to donate:

Our collection was started and has grown since 1922 almost exclusively through the donation of artifacts, documents and photographs from the Kenilworth community. If you have an item you wish to donate, or even if you wish to know more about the item before deciding whether to donate, there are several steps to follow:

1) Contact KHS
Before you mail or drop off the item you wish to donate, please contact our Collections Manager via phone, email or in person to discuss whether we are interested in accepting the item for the collection. The item you wish to donate may already be represented in our collection or may not fit within the criteria of our collection policy. By scheduling a meeting with our Collections Manager we can best establish the significance of the item and whether it is a fitting addition to our collection.
KHS will not accept accept abandoned and/or undocumented items in person or through the mail and may dispose of such items pursuant to (765 ILCS 1033/) Museum Disposition of Property Act.
Email: khscollections@gmail.com
Phone: (847) 251-2565

2) Provide sufficient information
In order for KHS staff to have the best possible understanding of an items relation to Kenilworth it is necessary for donors to provide as much information on the item as possible. This information helps KHS staff to determine the significance of the donation, the donation’s ties to Kenilworth, and a clear succession of title for the item. In order to collect this information donors are asked to fill out this Receipt of Items form prior to or upon dropping off or mailing the items.

3) Complete Paperwork
Once it has been determined an item fits the KHS collection policy and will be accepted into the KHS collection a Deed of Gift will be prepared for the donation. The Deed of Gift officially transfers title of the donation to KHS. Donors will be provided with a copy of the Deed of Gift, which includes a description of the item/s and KHS collection Object ID reference number/s

Receipt of Items Accepted for Consideration as Possible Donations to the Collection

The Kenilworth Historical Society reserves the right to refuse donations to the collection. In the case of refusal, the donor is responsible for retrieving the objects within two weeks of notification. If the donor is unable or unwilling to retrieve the items the Kenilworth Historical Society may dispose of them as they see fit.

View from the Path: Jens Jensen in Kenilworth

Jens Jensen was a landscape architect that quickly earned renown throughout the midwest.

He was often celebrated as a leader of a more “naturalistic” approach to landscape design. Jensen was active in Kenilworth’s landscape design from 1906 starting with Kenilworth Park outside the Assembly Hall, moving through five private home projects and culminating in 1933 with a rare late commission, the beautiful Mahoney Park. Jensen was introduced to Kenilworth through his friend and associate, George Maher, a renowned architect and community planner in Kenilworth’s early years.

The garden designs by Jens Jensen in Kenilworth represent a cross-section of his developing design style and include many great examples of his work on a smaller scale. Unlike his designs for larger estates in Lake Forest and Highland Park, his designs in Kenilworth are relatively flat, modest, and include simple detailing to emphasize a sense of privacy rather than display. By this point in his career, Jensen had a growing emphasis on using native flora and wildlife habitats which is reflected in his design for Mahoney Park.

The exhibit was released alongside a book detailing all of Jensen’s projects and other parks/landscapes throughout Kenilworth. The book, View from the Path: Jens Jensen in Kenilworth, can be purchased at the museum for $20.00.

View from the Path: Jens Jensen in Kenilworth was displayed from 2004-2005.