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

Liberty & Union Campaign

Phase II

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 conservation.

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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

reserve your ticket

Walking Tour

The View from the Park: Libertyville’s First 100 Years

Sunday, August 23, 2026, 1:30pm
Cook Park
$5/members, $10/general public

Duration: 45-60 minutes

Embark on a guided stroll around Cook Memorial Park and explore the town's first hundred years through the stories of the buildings surrounding the park.

Your tour includes entrance to the Ansel B. Cook Home after the walk.

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Registration is open for our annual The View from the Park: Libertyville's First 100 Years walking tour. Register at libertyvillehistory.org.
It was a pleasure to welcome the staff of GreenTree Animal Hospital to the Ansel B. Cook Home today. The practice sponsored our new dog statue and Awards & Engraving provided the plaque. It was a special surprise for Addie and Kellen to find a ph
Kim and her husband Shawn stopped by last Sunday's open house to see the medical bag of Dr. Day, Kim's grandfather, in our Community + Service exhibit which features artifacts and photographs from Libertyville service professionals and organizations.
Just two more weeks to complete the Stars & Parks Adventure! https://www.cooklib.org/starsandparksadventure/ 1.) Pick up your Adventure Card at the Cook Library or the Libertyville Recreation office. 2.) Visit 16 engaging and fact-filled statio
A sneak peak at some of the items in our Shop Local pop up exhibit. Come by the Cook Library foyer tomorrow (Sunday, July 12) between 2pm and 4pm to get a closer look at these and other items from Libertyville stores. The Ansel B. Cook Home is also o
Before malls, big box stores, and the Internet, Libertyville residents shopped regularly along Milwaukee Avenue. Stop by to see items from the Libertyville Historical Society's collection representing some of these merchants this Sunday, July 12 from