VISIT THE NILES HISTORICAL MUSEUM & EXPERIENCE
HISTORY BROUGHT TO LIFE

Welcome to the Niles Historical Society and Niles Historical Museum website. The Historical Society was chartered in 1971 and the Museum it sponsors is open year-round with no cost for admission. If you are interested in becoming a member of the Historical Society, click here on membership.

OPEN ALL YEAR ROUND
Hours: Monday Wednesday & Friday,
10:30 - 3:00 p.m.
Free Tours by Appointment
Donations Welcome

$$$ Free Admission $$$

PROGRAMS:

On the 4th Sunday of each month at 2:00 p.m. starting September running through November. Special programs in January and November. Doors open at 1:00 p.m.

We are proud of our museum and wish to share it with you. We encourage our Village organizations and businesses to participate in displaying their history. Please join us in a short tour of our three floors.

Main Floor - Second Floor - Third Floor

WE INVITE YOU TO BECOME A MEMBER OFTHE NILES HISTORICAL SOCIETY

The Niles Historical Society Museum is one of the largest in the northeast area, staffed by the Niles Historical Society. The building was formerly the COOK COUNTY SHERIFF'S quarters from 1923 until they closed their doors permanently in 1984. The building is one of the oldest municipal structures in Niles - a local landmark.

On March 25, 1985 the existing showcases were moved from the hallway at the Trident Center (8060 Oakton St.) to the Historical Society (8970 Milwaukee Avenue). The grand opening and dedication of the museum occurred on October 25, 1986 featuring a Chuck Wagon Festival.

The event was sparked off with the presence of the Village dignitaries, guests, and members of the Niles V.F.W. Memorial Post 7712. At the dedication, the museum was presented with its first flag. The new facility far exceeds the original location. Now the museum has three floors for exhibiting artifacts.

Starting in January 15 2008, a long anticipated renovation was started on the Museum and ended December 28, 2009. During this time we had to vacate the building for quite awhile due to the wall-breaking (and construction of the new elevator), the dust, the cold, and the noise during the Reconstruction. Day-to-day work was conducted outside of the Museum.

We had many areas of the Museum addressed:

• Construction of a new Elevator for access to all floors for those who need assistance and for moving of
       heavy artifacts.
• Making the Entranceway to our facility easier for those who may need assistance by installing a new door, concrete ramp and handrails.
• Removing all steps in the building and changing them into ramps.
• Installing new carpeting on the first floor, and refinishing the upper floors.
• Rehabbing the first floor washroom to make it "accessible" for Seniors, wheelchairs, and disabled individuals.
• Adding a water purification system for drinking.
• Major improvements to the general well-being of the building.

Our Grand Re-Opening was on April 25, 2010