This site will look much better in a browser that supports web standards, but it is accessible to any browser or Internet device.

Current Exhibits

Treasures of Our Collections: Celebrating 150 Years of Waukegan History

This new exhibit opened to the public on June 22 for the Tour of Homes. The exhibit showcases the collections of the Waukegan Historical Society. The Society has been collecting and preserving the rich history and heritage of Waukegan for the past forty years. The exhibit focuses on the history of the City of Waukegan from its very earliest beginnings up to the present.

The exhibit includes a detailed timeline highlighting interesting events and side notes from Waukegan’s history. Artifacts on display include a relic from the Academy Theater/Fiesta Palace, the charred remains of one of the old courthouse’s clock faces, a trunk used by Jack Benny during his early Vaudeville days, maps, a digital slideshow of Waukegan postcards, and souvenirs, trinkets, and other memorabilia.

The exhibit took months to develop under the direction of Museum Supervisor Ty Rohrer. The exhibit is presented by the Waukegan Historical Society and the Waukegan Park District. The exhibit will run through 2009 in celebration of the sesquicentennial of the City of Waukegan.

Many people helped prepare this exhibit. We thank Ed Link, Margaret Martin, Kirsten Lampi, Beverly Millard, Ann Darrow, Harry Came, Sara Griffin, Dr. Steve Rosswurm, Jim Maguire, Claudia Freeman, Yvonne Sylvester, Denyse Waters, Ellen Frew, Betsy Alleman, Susan and Stephen Rohrer, and Mike and Jean Anderson.

Jack Benny Exhibit at the Jack Benny Center

The exhibit, Jack Benny: From Waukegan to Hollywood, opened February 14, 2008 in honor of Jack Benny’s “39th” birthday, at the Jack Benny Center for the Arts, 39 Jack Benny Drive in Bowen Park in Waukegan. The exhibit is presented by the Waukegan Historical Society as part of their community outreach program. There is no closing date scheduled for the exhibit.

Memorabilia from the exhibit includes historic photographs of Jack Benny, programs from Jack Benny performances, and autographed items by Jack Benny, Mary Livingstone, and others. Stop by to learn about Benny’s early days in Waukegan, his radio and television career, and the impact that he had on Hollywood and his hometown of Waukegan. The Jack Benny Center for the Arts is open to the public Monday through Saturday. To contact the Jack Benny Center, please call 847-360-4740.