Bartlett History Museum
Museum History
On December 23, 2005, the Bartlett History Museum relocated into the newly constructed Bartlett Village Hall at 228 S. Main Street, Bartlett, Illinois.
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"If Walls Could Talk" exhibit |
The museum now has a one-third larger exhibit area, use of a multipurpose room, and much needed archival storage space for the collection. This is the fifth home for Bartlett's wonderful history.
The museum took root in 1973, when, spurred by the nation's forthcoming bicentennial celebration, local residents formed the Bartlett Historical Society. The society’s goal was to collect historical artifacts, literature and photos to highlight Bartlett and United States history. The society supported its operations through membership dues and fundraisers.
The Village of Bartlett trustees approved a resolution on March 6, 1973, that stated the Village’s support and encouragement for the Bartlett Historical Society. Through the years the Village helped the society by providing two different homes, owned by the Village, for use as museum space.
Initially, the artifacts collected by the society were displayed in a small showcase in the Bartlett Village Hall; but the dream of a permanent home for the beginning collection became a reality ten years later. In 1983, the society leased an old house on South Oak Street from the Village. The house was converted into a small museum that was open a few hours each Sunday afternoon.
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Dedication Day, 1986, Bartlett History Museum on Main Street |
Another move came in 1986, when the Village offered the old Wendler home, located at 204 S. Main, for the museum and its growing collection. This home was much larger than the first and in better condition. Its prime location, just south of Village Hall, and expanded floor space brought more attention and visitors to view and learn about Bartlett’s history. These homes, now razed, were located on the site where the new municipal building stands.
In 1991, the museum was temporarily closed when the Bartlett Police Department expansion and Village Hall renovation began. Construction personnel used the museum building as an office. The municipal complex construction was completed in 1993, and the museum moved into its new quarters on the first floor of the expanded Village Hall. The museum hours mirrored that of the hall and for the first time the museum was open six days a week and was handicap accessible.
A part-time curator was hired in 1996 to change the exhibits and care for the museum’s collection. Museum programming was expanded at this time to include classroom presentations, scout tours and sponsored special events. The museum collection was also expanding. Archival storage space soon became a much-in-demand commodity for the museum.
Today, home for the Bartlett History Museum is a 1,200-foot area on the first floor of the new Village Hall. The exhibit space is located right off the hall’s main entrance and is inviting to everyone who visits. Cases, boards and two showcase rooms hold and highlight the current artifacts and photos on display. Additional museum display cases are located along the hallway leading to the boardroom. The archives are stored in two climate-controlled locations.
The Museum is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Saturday, 9 a.m. to noon. It is closed on Sunday. There is no admission fee. Tours by individuals or groups can be arranged.