DuPage County Historical Museum

Something new is taking shape at the Museum! Our upcoming exhibit, “Defining Us,” explores the people, places, and stories that have shaped DuPage County’s identity across generations. Stay tuned for more details as we prepare to open this exciting new display on the 18th!

Today is World Chocolate Day! Check out this ornate, vintage chocolate pot. Chocolate dates back more than 4,000 years to ancient Mesoamerica (present-day Mexico). Originally consumed as a bitter, frothy liquid during ceremonies, the solid, sweet chocolate bar as we know it today was invented later in 1828 following the invention of the hydraulic cocoa press in Europe.

Happy Independence Day!

This year, as our nation celebrates its semiquincentennial anniversary, we're celebrating it with an in-house design inspired by the iconic Works Progress Administration (WPA) posters of the 30s and 40s. Known for their bold colors, striking graphics, and patriotic themes, WPA-era posters encouraged Americans to visit parks, support public programs, and take pride in their shared history.

Drawing on that artistic tradition, this poster reimagines the classic American visual style for a new generation as we reflect on 250 years of the United States and the stories that continue to shape our nation.

Happy Fourth of July from all of us at the Museum!

Welcome back to our Discover DuPage series! Stop by our friends at and their famous , which features a 1922 steam locomotive, a 1940s sleeper car, and a 1950s caboose. Their latest exhibit, “Mexican Boxcar Camps Era in Aurora, Illinois: 1920-1960,” runs through August 16th, so catch it while also checking out their HO scale model train display, much like ours here, inside their caboose! Bensenville Railroad Museum is located in Veteran's Park in Bensenville, with operating hours being between 10am to 1pm on Tuesdays and noon to 4pm on Saturday and Sundays. To find out more information, please visit their website at https://bit.ly/3QWkXPS

Happy Father’s Day, DuPage County! Check out this vintage Father’s Day card from the 1960’s. Don’t forget to say, “I love you,” to the ones who matter today!

All aboard! Today, June 20, is Train Saturday! The DuPage Society of Model Engineers will be running the trains on the lower level of the Museum and answering questions from 1:30 – 3:30P. Train Saturdays occur every third and fifth Saturday of the month. To plan your visit and for more information please visit https://bit.ly/3VYsz0S