Exhibitions & Events
Exhibitions
Waukegan History Museum at the Carnegie Permanent Exhibit
“The Waukegan Chronicles” exhibit highlights Waukegan’s rich history from the Ice Age to the First Peoples and through the 21st century. The exhibit tells stories of the land, our diverse community, and the industry, environment, and entertainment that helped shape the city. The dynamic exhibit is accessible in both English and Spanish text.
Upcoming Special Exhibit
Through the Eyes of the Piping Plovers: The Flora, Fauna & People of the Waukegan Shores
September 12–October 31, 2025
The exhibition, presented by Lake County Audubon/ Sharing Our Shore - Waukegan, showcases the beauty of Waukegan's dunes and lakefront as seen through the eyes of our beloved piping plovers, featuring works by renowned artists, including Heeyoung Kim and the Brushwood Botanical Artists, and National Audubon award-winning photographer Steve Jessmore and Sharing Our Shore - Waukegan Monitoring Team. The exhibit runs from Friday, September 12 through Thursday, October 31 in the Carnegie Gallery at the Waukegan History Museum at the Carnegie.
Upcoming Events
Oakwood Cemetery Walk
The Waukegan Park District and the Waukegan Historical Society are partnering to host the 29th Annual Oakwood Cemetery Walk at Oakwood Cemetery. The Oakwood Cemetery Walk is a “living history” event, showcasing the rich history of Waukegan using costumed actors to portray local historic figures with connections to the cemetery and city. This year’s theme is “1925 Waukegan.”
Waukegan Tour of Homes
The Waukegan Historical Society’s Tour of Homes is an annual fundraiser that began in 1969 and is a self-guided tour that allows participants to go through carefully curated homes at their own pace. Come join us for a delightful afternoon exploring some of the most charming homes in Waukegan. This year's tour includes three historic private residences, as well as the Waukegan History Museum at the Carnegie and the Haines House Museum in Bowen Park, where you can marvel at the rich history and unique architecture of our city.
Junior Curators
Imagine stepping into a museum and there are no items to see. What would you put on display? Our junior curators, ages 8-12, will be able to select from a few objects and create their own mini exhibit for the public to view. Additionally, please bring something from home that you would want to put on display. This item can mean something to you, your family, or just be for fun. The junior curators will brainstorm ideas as a team with the help of the museum curator.
Haunted Waukegan Tour
A haunted tour on Halloween! Learn the haunted and strange stories of Waukegan's past on this guided tour. The tour starts outside of the Waukegan History Museum at the Carnegie. This tour covers two miles and lasts approximately 1.5 hours.
Film & Discussion - The Negotiator: Billy Caldwell
The Waukegan Historical Society presents a viewing and discussion of the 40-minute documentary, The Negotiator: Billy Caldwell with director Susan L. Kelsey. As one of the Illinois treaty signers in 1829 and 1833, Billy Caldwell and others negotiated the sale of 5,000,000 acres of land in northwest Illinois, resulting in the removal of all Native American tribes in the state. Billy Caldwell, son of a Mohawk woman (Rising Sun) and British Army Captain (William Caldwell), was a leader in early Chicago. Although he was not a blood relative of the Great Lakes tribes in the area in 1833, Caldwell worked to negotiate the safe passage of the United Nations of Chippawa, Ottawa, and Potawatomi out of the state of Illinois and west to Council Bluffs, Iowa. Today, Caldwell’s Band of Prairie People now live in Mayetta, Kansas as the federally recognized tribe of Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation. The film explores these actions through research and interviews with local subject experts. More information to follow.
Something Wicked This Way Comes Walking Tour
In celebration of Waukegan-born author Ray Bradbury's birthday. Visit the sites of Bradbury's Green Town (Waukegan) from his novels "Dandelion Wine," "Farewell Summer” and "Something Wicked This Way Comes." The tour covers 1.5 miles and includes uneven ground and stairs.
Then & Now, Lakefront and Nature Tour
The Waukegan Park District, Waukegan Historical Society, the Lake County Audubon Society, and Sharing Our Shore – Waukegan are partnering to offer the Then & Now Lakefront and Nature Tour at the Waukegan Municipal Beach, located at 201 E. Seahorse Drive.The free tour will begin at the Stiner Pavilion. Participants are encouraged to stay after the tour to enjoy the Waukegan Band’s concert. Preregistration is not required.
Roaring Twenties Walking Tour
Join us as we visit Waukegan in the Roaring 1920s in this guided walking tour that covers stories including the Genesee Theatre, Prohibition, and Al Capone.
Junior Curators
Imagine stepping into a museum and there is no stuff to see, what would you put on display? Our junior curators will be able to select from a few objects and create their own mini-exhibit for the public to view. Additionally, please bring something from home that you would want to put on display. This item can mean something to you, your family, or just be for fun. The junior curators will brainstorm ideas as a team with the help of the museum curator.
African American History Walking Tour
In celebration of Juneteenth, join us as we walk and visit important African American sites on Waukegan's south side. Tour in partnership with the African American Museum at the England Manor. The tour covers 1.5 miles.