Villa Park Historical Society

Welcome to the

Villa Park Historical Society & Museum

Annual Meeting Report

The Annual Meeting of the Villa Park Historical Society was held Sunday, October 18, 2026 at 1:00PM at the Museum on Villa Avenue.

The Villa Park Fire Department joined us and gave an informative presentation. The museum was open for tours and checking out the exhibits. And the Sky High Balloon Guy entertained those in attendance with his balloon magic.

A Message from the President of the Society

As we welcome the beautiful colors of fall, it is a wonderful time to reflect on the year so far at the Villa Park Historical Society and Museum. We have enjoyed another year of bringing our community together, celebrating local history, and creating opportunities to connect with neighbors and friends.

This year has already brought several wonderful events, including the Hot Cocoa Crawl, Ice Cream Social, Photo Scanning Event, and annual Trick or Treat event. Each has offered a special opportunity to share memories, make new connections, and celebrate the people and stories that make Villa Park such a special place to call home. Thank you to everyone who attended and helped make these events a success!

And there is still more to look forward to! We hope you will join us for Joyful Traditions, our winter holiday celebration. These events are a wonderful way to come together as a community, make lasting memories, and continue the traditions that bring us joy throughout the year.

Of course, none of this would be possible without the dedication and generosity of our board members, volunteers, members, and visitors. Your time, enthusiasm, and continued support help keep our local history alive and our museum a welcoming place for everyone. Whether you volunteer your time, attend an event, share a family photograph, or simply stop by for a visit, you are an important part of our story. On behalf of the Historical Society, thank you for being part of our community.

This fall, we remember a very special member of our museum family, Pat Turen, who passed away in October. Pat was a longtime board member, dedicated volunteer, and dear friend of the Villa Park Historical Society and Museum. Her commitment to our organization and her contributions to preserving and sharing Villa Park’s history will not be forgotten. We are deeply grateful for the time, care, and friendship she gave to our museum. She will be greatly missed, and our thoughts and prayers are with her family during this difficult time.

As we look ahead to the remainder of the year, I am grateful for the people who make our mission possible and proud of the community we continue to build together. Thank you for helping us preserve the past, celebrate the present, and pass Villa Park’s history on to future generations.

Wishing you and your families a happy, healthy, and memorable fall season. I look forward to seeing you at the museum and at our upcoming events!

Warm regards,

Laurie LoCoco, President

Villa Park Historical Society and Museum

Join Us Today!

Membership Levels

Select the option that fits for you. All memberships are valid for one year from date of purchase, excluding Life Membership.

  • Adult:  $20.00
  • Student:  $15.00
  • Senior: $15.00
  • Family:  $30.00
  • Corporate/Organization: $50.00
  • Life Membership:  $300.00

We are the proud keepers of Villa Park’s unique heritage. Located in the historic 1929 Chicago, Aurora & Elgin electric train station, we invite you to explore the stories, people, and landmarks that shaped our vibrant community.

If you are hiking or biking on the Prairie Path schedule a rest stop and enjoy the Museum’s outdoor benches and picnic tables under our pavilion. Be sure to look at our window history displays or come inside for a visit. Admission is free, donations are accepted.

Operated by the Villa Park Historical Society, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, partnering with the Village of Villa Park

Plan Your Visit

MUSEUM Location

220 S. Villa Ave.
Villa Park, IL 60181

NOW OPEN FOR THE SEASON!

Hours:

Tuesday through Friday: 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM

Saturday and Sunday: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Closed Mondays

Exhibits

Little Orphan Annie

Little Orphan Annie

Learn about the global icon with local roots! Celebrate 100 years of the famous comic strip and discover the surprising connection between creator Harold Gray, the Ovaltine radio show, and Villa Park’s industrial past.

Sears home catalog

The Search for Sears Homes

Did you know Villa Park is a hotspot for historic kit houses? Find out how over 30,000 parts were shipped by rail to build some of our town’s homes. View the list of the 11 authenticated Sears Catalog Homes and learn how to identify your own!

New Exhibits

  • Villa Park Post Office
  • Villa Park Fire Department History
  • Chicago, Aurora, Elgin, Railway

In addition, the Museum maintains a collection of core exhibits detailing key aspects of Villa Park’s development.

Help us preserve the stories that define Villa Park.

Your membership supports the exhibits and research that keep local legends like Little Orphan Annie and the Ovaltine factory alive for future generations. Join the Historical Society today and become a steward of our village’s unique heritage.