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Support KHS

Thank you to all those who help KHS realize its mission of preserving Kenilworth’s history.

The Kenilworth Historical Society was founded through community action and continues to serve Kenilworth through the active support of community members. Our mission is supported everyday by volunteers and board members who help in the operation of KHS. We would not be here if it were not for the support of donors who contribute not only time, talent and financial support, but the objects which we preserve and care for in our collection.

If you would like to get involved at KHS explore the opportunities on how you can help support us:

Become a Member Take an active part in supporting the preservation of Kenilworth’s history by becoming a member today!
Volunteer Our volunteers assist with: transcription, filing, exhibit preparation, and special events.
Donate By donating to KHS you can help preserve and interpret Kenilworth history by supporting the preservation of our archive and artifact collection, the research of documents and items within our collection, and the presentation of informative and engaging exhibits on Kenilworth history.
Shop KHS has a variety of publications, collectible items, and Kenilworth merchandise available for purchase.

Research

Artist’s map of Kenilworth c. 1896, KHS

Archival records take many forms, including correspondence, diaries, financial and legal documents, photographs, and moving image and sound recordings. They are valuable to researchers, scholars, students, journalists, lawyers, and others who want to know about people, places, and events in the past.

The Kenilworth Historical Society archive holds extensive material on the founding and growth of Kenilworth and its key institutions. These materials provide incredible insight to the daily operations of the village and the community who calls it home.

We have an extensive archives and photograph collection for in-depth research into the following topics:

Village History Archive holds extensive material on the founding and growth of Kenilworth and its key institutions.
House History Archive holds historical information and photographs on the vast majority of properties within Kenilworth.
Kenilworth Organizations Archive holds extensive material on the organization, operation, and efforts of many of the organizations which have made a significant impact on Kenilworth.
Previous Kenilworth Residents Archive holds biographical information on many of Kenilworth’s residents and families.
National Register Properties The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation.
Online Exhibit: Kenilworth’s Centennial Structures (Exhibit is being updated) Any house or building in Kenilworth that has reached or would have reached the age of 100 is considered a Centennial Structure.

Please call 847-251-2565 ahead of time to schedule a research visit.

About KHS

Dr. Rufus Stolp, c. 1920, 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

Dedication of the Kenilworth Assembly Hall, c. 1907, KHS

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.

Stuart Memorial Building, c. 1974, KHS

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

“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

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.