847-987-5509

Programs & Events

Exhibits

“Growing Up X:”
The Grayslake Historical Society and Grayslake Heritage Center & Museum are proud to host this award-winning traveling exhibit.  On loan from the Illinois State Museum, this exhibit will fill you with nostalgia for the super rad toys, cutting-edge computers (complete with dialup), and other cultural touchstones that defined being a kid in the 1970s, 80s, and 90s.  The Growing Up X exhibition is organized by the Illinois State Museum and sponsored, in part, by the Illinois State Museum Society.

Postmarked: Grayslake 60030
This exhibit in the upper gallery of the museum tells the story of the Grayslake Post Office, including the fascinating postmasters, mail-related scandals, postcards with local scenes and a narrative about how integral to our lives the postal service has been. Open through Friday, November 1st.

Programs and Events

Wednesday, November 13, 2024: 7:00pm: Druce Lake: A Community Memoir“- Linda Mateja and Marianne Semrad compiled the second edition of Druce Lake: A Community Memoir.  They will tell about the families, businesses, and parks that have contributed to Druce Lake’s rich history.  Heritage Center Community Room.  Refreshments following the program.

Wednesday, October 9, 2024: 7:00pm: The Wray Family”- Every family has a story.  The Wray family story includes the history of the area.  Their farm was south of Grayslake on Route 83, but their history includes the Grayslake Woman’s Club, Historical Society, Chamber of Commerce and more.  Sally Kelly, daughter of the first president of the Society, will present the details.  Heritage Center Community Room.  Refreshments following the program.

Sunday, October 6: 1:30pm and 2:30pm: “Living History Tour of the Grayslake Cemetery”- Costumed reenactors will present “From New York to Grayslake for New Beginnings” at the Grayslake Cemetery on South Lake Street.  Hosted by the Grayslake Historical Society and sponsored by Strang Funeral Chapel.  Public invited, donations appreciated. 

Wednesday, September 11, 2024: 7:00pm:Grayslake in 1970: The Diamond Jubilee and More” – In 1970 the entire village was brought together by a remarkable nine-day festival celebrating the 75th anniversary of its incorporation. Jane Trump will share stories of the celebration and the people who made it happen as well as noting other events that made Grayslake’s 75th year an even more memorable one.  Heritage Center Community Room.  Refreshments following the program.

Search and Share Genealogy Group
Join local genealogists the first Wednesday of each month at 2:00 PM for a lively discussion on researching family. Share your own stories or come for advice from other genealogists.


All programs and events are subject to change. They may be added, modified or cancelled. Check the Village of Grayslake newsletter, and the Facebook posts and websites of the Grayslake Historical Society (www.grayslakehistory.org)  and the Grayslake Heritage Center (www.villageofgrayslake.com) for the latest information.

For more information about the Grayslake Historical Society, call 847-987-5509 or email charenehan@aol.com.  For more information call us at 847-543-1745 or email us at mpoe@villageofgrayslake.com. For more information about the Grayslake Heritage Center and Museum, click here to visit the Village of Grayslake website