The Winnetka Historical Society educates people on the stories of our past, in an effort to enrich our present and inspire our future. We promote awareness of Winnetka's heritage through artifact collection and preservation, public access to our research center, and enlightening programs, exhibits and publications.

The Winnetka Historical Society was founded in 1932 to collect, preserve, and present artifacts representing Winnetka history and to increase public knowledge about the community. From its inception the Society has acquired photographs, documents, and artifacts relating to Winnetka. The collection moved several times during the 1930s and 1940s, and for almost thirty years was stored in the basement of the Winnetka Public Library.

In 1988 the Winnetka Historical Society's collection found a new home. After a successful community-wide campaign saved the former Skokie School from demolition, the Village of Winnetka and the Winnetka Historical Society established its museum there at 1140 Elm Street. This landmark building, Winnetka's first junior high school, was designed in 1921 by the renowned architect, Dwight Perkins. For more than ten years, the Society has presented quality exhibits and programs on Winnetka history from this location.

Due to a growing school-age population in the Village, The Skokie School became a middle school for 5th and 6th graders beginning in the 2000-2001 academic year. The Winnetka Historical Society moved from 1140 Elm Street in March 2000. In the following year, the Board of Directors approved the purchase of an historic home at 411 Linden Street for museum, research and office space and looks forward to continuing its valuable service of providing exhibits, events, and resources on Winnetka history to the community.