The Next Fifty Years: Kenilworth in the 1950s, 60s, 70s,80s and 90s

The little blue book, Kenilworth-The First Fifty Years, captured the essence of life in the village during the first half of the 20th century.  From the founding of the planned village by Joseph Sears to the Second World War, community institutions such as the schools, churches, government entities, civic and social groups were developed with continued to enrich the lives of Kenilworth families.

This exhibit examines life during the last half of the 20th century.  The people of Kenilworth, while acting on new challenges and opportunities of a rapidly changing world, continued to embrace village traditions that had developed through the years.  Life did not remain static for the community.  Kenilworthians were leaders in addressing the issues of the day, sometimes even making fun of themselves! 

Visit us and relive yesterday.  Our jukebox will stir memories of the fifties and the beautiful needlepoint rug completed in honor of the nation's Bicentennial will showcase the artistic talents of village residents.  The exhibit is packed with symbols of the decades.

The exhibit can be visited throughout the coming year.  The Kenilworth Historical Society is located at 415 Kenilworth Avenue and is open from 9:00am until 4:30pm no Mondays and from 9:00am until 12:00pm on Thursdays, or by appointment.

 Celebrating the Sears School
A history of the Joseph Sears School with many hands on and interactive activities for kids and kids at heart.
Semi-permanent
(lower level)

Planning a Community: Joseph Sears & the Kenilworth Company
An examination of the plan for Kenilworth developed and implemented by Joseph Sears and the Kenilworth Company.  The exhibit also explores Kenilworth's place in the history of planned communities in Illinois.
Ongoing
(library)