Welcome!
Perhaps you were born and raised in Crystal Lake. Or perhaps you've recently moved here. Maybe your ancestors helped settle the area. Regardless, we welcome you to The Crystal Lake Historical Society website, and hope you will learn more about our Society and our community's rich history.
Look at Local History
The month of May has been declared, "Look at Local History Month". All around McHenry County, events are taking place or being planned to educate and promote local history. Click here for a brochure which highlights many of those events.
What's New on the Website?
The Upcoming Events tab has been updated with dates and information about our 2012 programming activities. Check this tab often as additional information is added.
The Local History tab has also been updated with a new feature called "Lost Crystal Lake". Learn more about buildings and structures that are no longer standing. This is an ongoing project, so check this tab often for new additions/updates. Another update is the addition of Post Office History page and Telephone History page. Vintage Crystal Lake phone books are being uploaded to view.
Membership Drive
Memberships in the Society expire on December 31st of each calendar year. NOW is the perfect time to join the Society or renew your existing membership. Click here to learn more about member benefits, rates, and payment options. Remember, it is through the support of our members that we can continue to preserve our community's history.
One of the most valuable benefits of membership is the Society newsletter, The Crystal Times, which is published quarterly. An online version of Index to Names found in the newsletter is available on the Local History / Research Resources page. A limited number of back issues to The Crystal Times are available for sale. Please email the Society for specific requests.
Stop by for a Visit
The Crystal Lake Historical Society is located at the Colonel Palmer House, which is at the intersection of Illinois Route 176 and Terra Cotta Road in Crystal Lake.
Regular Hours of Operation are:
Tuesdays (3PM - 7PM)
Thursdays (11AM - 4PM)
Fridays (11AM - 4PM)
If you are planning to do research, it is best to call ahead to make certain someone will be available to assist you.
Union Soldier Statue Update
We are in our final stretch for fundraising and restoration of the Union Soldier Statue at Union Cemetery, Woodstock Street. Click here to learn more and see pictures of restoration and fundraising progress.
The statue will be returned to its base in 2012.
Ceramic Buildings Prices Slashed
We're having an inventory reduction sale! Light-up ceramic buildings are now available for $25. We still have models available for both Main Beach and Community High School miniature ceramic replicas. As always, these ceramics make great gifts at any time of the year. Price includes local delivery. Visit our Online Store for ordering details.
Vintage Postcard Book of Crystal Lake
Together with Arcadia Publishing, the Crystal Lake Historical Society has produced a Postcard History Book of Crystal Lake. Using 190+ postcards from the Society's collection, Diana Kenney has created a visual history of Crystal Lake. All proceeds from the sale of this book will benefit the Crystal Lake Historical Society. Books are available at:
Colonel Palmer House, Route 176 & Terra Cotta
Howell's Gifts, 57 N. Williams St.
City of Crystal Lake, 100 W. Woodstock St.
Books can be ordered online through the "Online Store" tab.
Please go here to listen to Diana Kenney, Crystal Lake Historical Society president, discuss some of the efforts the Society is involved with, along with a further description of the Vintage Postcard book. The audio is from a December 6, 2009 interview Diana had with Stew Cohen of local radio station STAR 105.5. (Note: the full 10 1/2 minute interview is playable in MP3 file format and is approximately 8 MB in storage size)
Together with Arcadia Publishing, the Crystal Lake Historical Society has produced a Postcard History Book of Crystal Lake. Using 190+ postcards from the Society's collection, Diana Kenney has created a visual history of Crystal Lake. All proceeds from the sale of this book will benefit the Crystal Lake Historical Society. Books are available at:
Colonel Palmer House, Route 176 & Terra Cotta
Howell's Gifts, 57 N. Williams St.
City of Crystal Lake, 100 W. Woodstock St.
Books can be ordered online through the "Online Store" tab.
Please go here to listen to Diana Kenney, Crystal Lake Historical Society president, discuss some of the efforts the Society is involved with, along with a further description of the Vintage Postcard book. The audio is from a December 6, 2009 interview Diana had with Stew Cohen of local radio station STAR 105.5. (Note: the full 10 1/2 minute interview is playable in MP3 file format and is approximately 8 MB in storage size)