Des Plaines History Museum

In 1907, a grand Queen Anne-style house graced Lee Street in Des Plaines. This house, now known as the Kinder House, is a cornerstone of the Des Plaines History Museum. The Des Plaines History Museum isn’t just one building. It’s a vibrant collection of stories housed in two distinct structures. The Kinder House, relocated to Pearson Street in 1978, showcases the life of Benjamin F. Kinder, a prominent hardware store owner, and his son, George, Des Plaines’ third mayor. The house, with its wrap-around porch and three-story corner tower, offers a glimpse into early 20th-century life. Next door, the Visitor Center, a former savings and loan building, houses exhibits, archives, and a gift shop. The Des Plaines History Museum’s collection boasts over 31,000 objects and documents. These items tell the story of Des Plaines, from its earliest days to its vibrant present. The museum actively engages the community with programs like Coffee Talks, Historic Adventures, and School Days Off. From “Deco in Des Plaines” showcasing the 1920s and 30s, to the “Des Plaines Memory” project in collaboration with the public library, the museum strives to bring history to life. The Des Plaines History Museum isn’t just preserving the past. It’s creating a vibrant future, connecting people to their heritage and fostering a sense of community.