Preserving the Past

For Our Future

Established in 1955, the Libertyville Historical Society collects and preserves historical material and information relative to the Libertyville area. The 1878 Ansel B. Cook Home, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is home to the society’s archives and museum.

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The Wide Awakes Banner Restoration

Liberty & Union Campaign

An item of invaluable historical significance to Libertyville and Lake County with a connection to a nation-changing moment in U.S. history is in need of restoration.

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2026 Ansel B. Cook Home Summer Open Houses

Sundays, June 7 - August 30

2pm to 4pm

$5/adults, kids free

Additional dates and times

June 1-July 31, 2026 • Libertyville

Celebrate America’s 250th anniversary in the heart of Libertyville. Take a stroll through history while enjoying the beauty of Libertyville’s parks during this fun, interactive community adventure. Bring your friends and family, and enjoy exploring Libertyville’s parks while celebrating 250 years of American history. Happy exploring!

Learn more at https://www.cooklib.org/starsandparksadventure/

A partnership between Libertyville Recreation, Cook Memorial Public Library District, and Libertyville Historical Society.

Our most recent Instagram posts…

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The 2026 Ansel B. Cook Home summer open house season starts one week from today! The front doors have been refinished and the Town and Country Garden Club of Libertyville have filled the urns with summer flowers. Come see the inside! The home is open
One hundred years ago, the railroads conducted more than 300,000 passenger trips to the 28th International Eucharistic Congress ceremonies held at Mundelein Seminary. Transportation historian Norm Carlson will look back at this triumph of logistics a
The Ansel B. Cook Home front doors are getting a little TLC. Thank you Village of Libertyville. @villageoflibertyville #libertyvillevol
Thank you Town and Country Garden Club of Libertyville, Illinois for the lovely spring flowers!
Register to attend in-person or online at: https://cooklib.libnet.info/event/15206157
We loved having members of a local girl scout troop at the Ansel B. Cook Home this week. The scouts are working on their Playing the Past badge. Glad the Libertyville Historical Society could help!