Mission & Vision
The Des Plaines History Center collects, preserves, and interprets the history of Des Plaines and its people and provides access to those resources through exhibits, educational programs and research facilities.
Our vision is to create a great future by inspiring and connecting people to the history of Des Plaines and to the world through an understanding of heritage, traditions, culture, and community.
Our Museum
We are a local history museum located in downtown Des Plaines, Illinois. The Kinder House Museum, at 789 Pearson St., is a 1907 Queen Anne Revival house, with room displays portraying early 20th-century life. The Visitor & Education Center, next door at 781 Pearson St., was built in the 1950s as the Des Plaines Savings & Loan Association. It is now filled with exhibits about Des Plaines and Illinois history, programs for kids, teens, adults and families, and thousands of searchable archives. We are an Illinois nonprofit corporation with 501(c)(3) federal tax designation. We gratefully acknowledge operating support from the City of Des Plaines, the Des Plaines Park District, our numerous members, and our many sponsors, partners, and contributors.
Contact
847-391-5399
contact@desplaineshistory.org
781 Pearson St, Des Plaines, IL 60016
Executive Director
Dennis J. Murray Email
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Staff & Volunteers
Katie Porwit, Administrative and Outreach Coordinator Email
Kathleen Fairbairn, Research Volunteer Email
Sandy Johnson, Volunteer
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Board of Trustees
Stan Kotecki, President
Brian Wolf, Vice President
Elizabeth Makelim, Secretary
Annette Curtis, Treasurer, Des Plaines park District Liaison
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Mike Charewicz, City of Des Plaines Liaison
Brad Chelin
Tom Christiansen
Gene Haring
Kristina Khoshaba
Rhonda Popko
Carol Shannon
Kathy Vana