Welcome to the Village of Bartlett Museums; the Bartlett History Museum and the Bartlett Depot Museum. Both museums are operated and funded by the Village of Bartlett, Illinois and are committed to the exhibition and education of our community's rich history. We invite you to visit our museums and participate in the many events each offers. Please click on the links to learn more about each.

Picture of the Week

 

Former long-time Bartlett resident Dorothy Heinberg, second from left, didn't need a lifeline when she helped her team from the Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul Railroad win against the New York Central team on WBBM Radio's Monday evening "Brain Battle." Dorothy worked for the Milwaukee Road for 37 years in the Chicago offices doing administrative clerical duties.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Artifact of the Month

On September 12, the Bartlett Depot Museum will be dedicated. The museum is located in the Village's original 1873 depot that served the community until its closure in December 2007, when the new Metra station opened. Restoration work began on the depot in December 2009 and is scheduled to be completed September 3.

To celebrate the opening of Bartlett's second museum, a Milwaukee Road artifact was chosen from the museum's collection. Pictured here is the 1971 President's Safety Trophy award. The smoky glass tray is 7 inches x 9 inches with images of the rail line's equipment, station and map of its Rocky Mountain Division.

The Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway Company, later the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Railroad Company, was known simply as the Milwaukee Road. This railroad owned and operated the tracks that run through the heart of Bartlett from 1880, when it acquired the Chicago & Pacific Railroad, until 1985, when it was sold to the Soo Line Corporation. The Milwaukee Road was a town builder and employed many Bartlett residents throughout its ownership. Each week in September a Milwaukee Road employee from Bartlett will be highlighted in the Picture of the Week.

The Bartlett Depot Museum is located at 100 W. Railroad Avenue. Hours of operation will vary. From September 13 to December 31, 2010, the museum will be open Tuesdays, 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Thursdays, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and Saturday October 2, November 6 and December 4 from 9:00 a.m. to noon. Admission is always free.

 

 

 

Museum Donations

Ever wonder how the Bartlett History Museum acquires all of the artifacts, images, textiles and more for its collection? These items come from past and present residents, family descendants, and generous individuals who donate them. The Museum is always seeking objects and photos that capture a moment in Bartlett's rich past. The archives contains hundreds of items, ranging in size from a button off the first Bartlett Girl Scout uniform to a six-foot nail bin from the old Schultz Hardware. Do you have Bartlett items you would like to donate to the Museum's archives? Please contact Pam Rohleder, Director, at 630-837-0800.

The museums are members of the American Association of Museums, Association of State and Local History, Illinois Association of Museums, and the Kane-DuPage Regional Museum Association.