Throughout its first century, the Village of Hinsdale had no organization or central place to store records and
treasures of its past. Scattered attic trunks, photograph scrapbooks and dusty basement library stacks were
the isolated repositories that contained clues to the Village's glorious history. Memories of earlier times were
gradually fading. As early residents and their descendents died, pieces of history went with them.
Inspired by the Village's approaching centennial celebration in 1973, a group of concerned residents began to
scour the community in search of data and memorabilia that would be useful in public exhibits and presentations
of its 100 year history. Because of the difficulties encountered in collecting such material, the idea of a permanent
historical organization was conceived.
In April 1975, the Hinsdale Historical Society, under the auspices of the Village's Board of Trustees, was granted
a charter as a not-for-profit corporation by the State of Illinois.
It was the end of the beginning.
The first of many tasks facing the Society's Board of Directors was to find a home - a building that was itself of
historical significance, that could adequately house the Society's headquarters and archives, serve as a public
museum, be conveniently located and meet a non-existent budget.
In 1981, after years of searching, the Society was offered a centennial home owned by Hinsdale School
District 181. The Village Board made a one-quarter acre park site available under a long-term lease and the
Society took possession on August 12, 1981, relocating the house from 213 South Lincoln Street to 15
South Clay Street. The Society privately raised funds to pay the cost of moving the house, utility installation,
basement construction, a new roof, front porch and other necessary repairs. Meanwhile, a tireless group of
volunteers collected data and memorabilia and developed a program of service.
With the community into its second century, the Society is well established. Hinsdale's proud heritage
will be preserved and displayed for future generations.
Hinsdale Historical Society
P. 0. Box 336
Hinsdale IL 60522-0336
Telephone (630) 789-2600
Email: Info@HinsdaleHistory.org
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