The Winnetka Historical Society has launched a new exhibit titled “Surprising Stories of the North Shore,” showcasing a range of historical narratives that extend beyond the area’s well-known figures. The exhibit opened on January 6, 2024, at both the Winnetka Library and the Winnetka Community House, featuring twelve panels that highlight lesser-known events and personalities from the region’s past.
The exhibit aims to illuminate stories such as Abe Lincoln‘s impromptu speech in Evanston, the role of the Underground Railroad in the North Shore, and the existence of a World War II-era camp for German prisoners of war. These narratives offer a richer understanding of the local history, which is often overshadowed by the prominent politicians and business leaders associated with the area.
Among the tales is that of Lincoln’s visit to Evanston on April 5, 1860. After attending to business in Chicago, he traveled by train to the then-unincorporated town to visit notable resident Julius White. During his visit, he addressed the local community from White’s front porch, shortly before he received the Republican presidential nomination in Chicago.
Another surprising aspect of the exhibit is the story of Camp Skokie Valley, which transitioned from a Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) camp during the Great Depression to a facility for German POWs during World War II. By June 1945, around 400 prisoners were interned there, where they worked on salvaging gas mask components. The camp was closed later that year in September.
The Underground Railroad’s connection to the North Shore is also explored. One segment recounts the journey of an escapee named Andrew Jackson, who found refuge with local residents Lyman and Clarrissa Wilmot. Eventually, he was transported to safety on a lumber ship owned by Sylvester Lind, the mayor of Lake Forest, demonstrating the area’s involvement in the fight against slavery.
Additionally, the exhibit shares the story of Roger Barrett, who served as a U.S. Army intelligence officer and was recruited by Supreme Court Justice Robert Jackson to assist in the Nuremberg trials. Barrett’s conversations with notable Nazi defendants, including Hermann Goering, further illustrate the complex history that shaped the region.
The traveling exhibit, which previously opened at the North Shore Senior Center in Northfield, has been designed to enhance public engagement with local history. Historical Society president Carrie Hoza emphasized that the exhibit is adaptable and seeks to encompass the interconnected histories of the entire North Shore region, involving collaborations with local historical organizations in Wilmette, Glencoe, Lake Forest, and Kenilworth.
Attendance at the exhibit is expected to be significant, as the North Shore Senior Center reported that around 300 to 400 visitors frequent the exhibit area daily. The historical society anticipates that such outreach will stimulate interest in their permanent exhibits, which are typically open on limited days each week.
Funding for the exhibit was provided by the Dr. Scholl Foundation, alongside contributions from other notable donors. The traveling exhibit not only aims to educate the public but also to increase revenue for the historical society, which reported revenues of $353,000 and expenses of $316,000 in 2024.
In conjunction with the exhibit, the library will host a hybrid program titled “Surprising Stories of the North Shore” on February 17, 2024, at 16:00. This event is intended to further engage the community and promote the historical narratives highlighted in the exhibit.
As the exhibit continues through the end of April 2024, it serves as a reminder of the diverse stories that contribute to the rich tapestry of the North Shore’s history, encouraging residents and visitors alike to explore the past in a new light.
