Help us welcome our new Exhibit/Collection Coordinator, Kira Halvey!

The McHenry County Historical Society and Museum

Watch our Informative You Tube Videos

The McHenry County Historical Society produces a limited number of videos each year.  If you are interested in helping us complete our next series of videos, please contact us! Vist our You Tube Channel page, LINK.

film strip of our you tube videos

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In The Spotlight This Month: Aluminum Christmas Trees

Dave Harms Aluminum Christmas TreesIn Thids Month's SpotlightNothing says Christmas like retro Aluminum Christmas Trees! 

You're invited to view the MCHS video on Dave Harms talking about the Aluminum Christmas Trees on You Tube.

We also invite you to come see the trees in person the rest of  this month M-F from 1 to 4 p.m. except on Dec. 23, 26 & 30. 

If you can't make it here, please enjoy the video! LINK

Northern Illinois Quilt Fest

Quilt ExhibitMcHenry County Historical Museum participated in Northern Illinois Quilt Fest (NIQF) during the summer months of 2011.

Quilts were exhibited in the top 6 counties in Illinois, July through September.

The Quilt Exhibit displays were very popular at museums, galleries, auditoriums, libraries, churches and quilt shops throughout the region.

If you missed the exhibt, you can still watch our Quilt Exhibit Preview on You Tube. LINK

Moving Italianate Window

italianate windowVideo shows the process of moving an 1870's Italianate Bay window from a house in Richmond owned by MCCD, to Union IL., where the McHenry County Historical Museum will be working to preserve and restore this wonderful architectural element. Many hands helped to move the bay window. LINK

'The Arrival'

a display from See what life was like for the wealthy Patrick family & their servants as well as what was happening in the 1890's. Features include the 1893 Columbian World's Fair in Chicago, and the Marengo Opera House. LINK

Demolition of 1867 Building

limestone buildingThis limestone building was a Masonic Hall, the Union Village Hall &
finally the Union Firehouse. It was one of the last 4 limestone
buildings in McHenry County built from limestone quarried in McHenry
County. Demolition occured for a septic field installed for the adjacent firehouse. LINK

Gannon Cabin Tour

Nancy Fike at the Gannon CabinNancy Fike, Museum Administrator of the McHenry County Historical Museum in Union, IL, will take you on a guided tour of the 1847 Gannon Log Cabin. To view the rugged frontier cabin online, watch the YouTube Video. LINK

Riding into History

riding into history"Riding Into History, 8th Illinois Cavalry" was performed at the McHenry County Historical Museum in Union, IL as our Annual Historic Halloween Program, on 10/21/09. Cast includes members from the 8th Illinois Cavalry, one of the Midwest's premiere reenacting groups. LINK

'Gangsters & Gin Joints'

Display panel from 'Gansters and Gin Joints' traveling display on 'The James'Grace Moline, Exhibits Curator of the McHenry County Historical Society presents the special exhibit that is available on the Historical Society Bus, 'The James'. Watch on YouTube 'Gangsters & Gin Joints'. LINK