Keeping History Alive Through Preservation and Education

The Barrington History Museum’s purpose is to ensure our past remains vibrant. We gather, maintain, document, and display Barrington’s historical treasures while offering tailored educational experiences for all ages, from preschoolers to adults.

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Early Beginnings

Early Beginnings

The Barrington History Museum, formally the Barrington Area Historical Society, was founded in 1968 by local residents dedicated to preserving the history and culture of the Barrington area. Since that time, the Museum has become an integral part of the Barrington area communities.

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1863

The Village of Barrington was incorporated.

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1865

Illinois State Legislature acted upon incorporation.

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1968

Barrington Area Historical Society was founded.

News and Events

Jewel Tea Historical Foundation

Jewel Tea Historical Foundation (JTHF) is a public Foundation dedicated to the collection, preservation and display of Jewel Tea Company, Inc. history. The Foundation collects Jewel Tea products, documents, and Autumn Leaf China. The JTHF offers educational programs and seminars highlighting the history of this company and the contribution of its employees.

Images from the Barrington History Museum

A blacksmith stands in a workshop, wearing a red T-shirt, jeans, a leather apron, and a patterned bandana. There is a burning forge with coal in the foreground and various blacksmithing tools scattered around. The workshop has brick walls and industrial decor.
Our working forge and blacksmith at the Wichman Blacksmith Shop (c. 2018)
A blacksmith wearing a red shirt, tan apron, and black headband works in a rustic workshop. He stands near a blazing forge with various tools and materials scattered around. The workshop features brick walls and a large chimney for the forge.
The blazing flames of our fully operational forge (c. 2017)
Picture of an antique white wedding dress on a dress stand.
One of many period wedding dresses in our permanent collection
Brick building with grey roof surrounded by trees and a green lawn. Orange flowers and walkway in front. Dusk sky visible.
The Old Barrington Center, our main museum building
A man and a woman dressed in historical attire stand in a vintage classroom. The man wears a hat and suspenders, and the woman wears a bonnet and long dress. An American flag and chalkboard are visible in the background. A wooden desk with a bell is in the foreground.
School 1900s style; the docents for our One Room Schoolhouse program
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Reviews

What Visitors are Saying

This was a gem to run across. It’s easy to miss on Lake-Cook Road. There is a parking lot in the back between the two houses. It is hard to find the entrance to the museum but once you get there it is very much worth the effort. We were given a tour by two very knowledgeable and enthusiastic tour guides. They gave us personal attention. There are so many stores and artifacts that an hour and a half want nearly enough. Highly recommend is you live in the Barrington area or like history.
Ryan D.
Wheeling, IL
I enjoyed getting a personal tour of the Frank Willmarth sketches here! I’m a huge fan of Golden Age cinema, and was surprised to see that a portion of Frank Willmarth’s Brown Derby caricatures are at the BA Historical Society. I think the best one is a sketch of Lola Lane, of the Lane sisters. I love seeing old Hollywood history honored.
Annette B.
Mount Prospect, IL
Wow! Over the last few years and especially this summer I’ve visited quite a few local historical museums and this is another one that really stands out as truly excellent. In addition to having some unique items and very nice looking exhibits, the tour given by two volunteers was done very well.
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Definitely worth a visit to learn a lot about local history and historic artifacts. The quality of preservation and the completeness of several collections is truly amazing.

Sherwin C.
Wheeling, IL