McHenry County (Illinois)
Historical Society

6422 Main Street
P.O. Box 434
Union, Illinois 60180
Telephone: (815) 923-2267

Click below to learn more about us...

Contact Us

"Devil Wagons" Coming June 18

Perkins Players

Look At Local History Month -- May

Bus Tour Of One-Room Schools

Current Goings On

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Arrival: The 1920's

Loom for Sale

ShopforMuseums

Museum and Historical Society Hours

Directions to McHenry County Historical Society Museum

Free Family Admission Pass

MCHS Board

Membership

Volunteer Opportunities

The Heritage Quilters

MCHS Buildings

Successful 2007 Heritage Fair

Exhibits

Research Library

Obituaries

The James--Mobile History Museum

Business Services

Traveling Photo Exhibit

Gift Shop

The Greenwood Book

NEW BOOK: Historic Country Schools of McHenry County, IL

Education Programs

Oral History Questionnaires

Don Peasley Historic Photo Collection

Why Plaque Your Historic Building/Site

Plaque Application

Confirm the Age of Your House

Scroll down for information about the museum hours,

research library, fees, etc.

Organized in November 1963 as a not-for-profit corporation, our mission is providing the methods and means of presenting McHenry County History to enrich life.

On July 4, 1976 the Society's museum in Union, Illinois officially opened to the public. The comprehensive collection includes several preserved buildings: An 1847 log cabin; an 1885 town hall, now known as Perkins Hall; an 1895 one-room school house used for c.1900 school programs; and a 20th Century modern tourist cabin. In 1982, a local history research library was added to the museum;  in 2002, the Society acquired the Pringle School, located on River Road, the limestone building is in the process of being restored.

Besides operating the museum, the Society plaques historic sites and structures, holds adult workshops and classes, makes available traveling exhibits and arranges a wide variety of school and other group programs. Funding for the Society comes from membership dues, admission fees, donations and a trust fund. Your support through membership is always welcomed.