Research | Special Events | Educational Programs | Heritage Commons | Students Research
History of West Chicago | Our Location and Visit Hours | Español | Home
Research | Special Events | Educational Programs | Heritage Commons | Students Research
History of West Chicago | Our Location and Visit Hours | Español | Home
West Chicago City Museum
Museum Exhibits
We invite you to visit us the West Chicago City Museum. As keepers of memories, our two floors of exhibits reflect the influences that have shaped West Chicago history.Designed for both children and adults, the exhibits promote learning and enjoyment. Being the first Illinois community to be formed by the movement of the railroads west, the town was greatly affected by this new method of transportation. Dioramas, maps, photographs and artifacts combine to tell the story of the trains.
Current Exhibits
|
"What's in a Name" Looks at the various official and unofficial names by which West Chicago has been known. In its beginning, back in 1849, West Chicago was known only as Junction, a meeting point for several of the railroads linking Chicago with the West. Later the town was renamed Turner in honor of John B. Turner, the president of Galena & Chicago Union Railroad. In 1896, the town was renamed West Chicago, in an effort to link it to the larger City and attract business and industry to the area. |
A changing exhibit area with its display of topical interest are designed to entice you to return again. |
Other exhibits include Pioneer Life, Railroad memorabilia, Gary's Mill School and "Post Card Views of West Chicago" due to open in May 1997.
Email: tamawal@ix.netcom.com