Events

Don’t miss out on the excitement! Take a look at the calendar below to for upcoming events. Our goal is to bring history to life and create lasting memories with our events. Explore what’s happening and join us for an experience you won’t forget!

Previous Events

Check out some of our previous events from captivating lectures to community gatherings! Our events showcase the rich stories and traditions that connect us all. Take a look—you might just find inspiration for your next visit!

Audrey Muschler Speaker Series

Welcome to the Audrey Muschler Memorial Speaker Series, proudly presented by the Oak Brook Historical Society. This series honors the legacy of Audrey Lorraine Jackson Muschler, a visionary leader who founded the OBHS and dedicated her life to preserving history, serving her community, and fostering a deep appreciation for the past. The Audrey Muschler Memorial Speaker Series continues her work, bringing together historians, scholars, and storytellers to deepen our understanding of the past and inspire future generations. We invite you to join us in celebrating Audrey’s legacy—one that reminds us of the power of history, the importance of preservation, and the impact one person can have on a community. In honor of Audrey’s enduring influence, donations can be made to support the Audrey Muschler Memorial Lecture Series through the Oak Brook Historical Society.

The Underground Railroad in DuPage County
A Journey Through Local & National History

Renowned historians Dr. Larry McClellan and Dr. Glennette Tilley Turner delivered a powerful presentation on the Underground Railroad’s vital role in DuPage County and Illinois.

Dr. McClellan, a leading Illinois expert and member of the state’s Underground Railroad Task Force, joined Dr. Turner — author of the pioneering 1978 book on DuPage County’s network and advisor to the National Park Service — to share decades of research and local stories of courage.

The free event concluded with a reception at the Oak Brook Historical Society & Heritage Center, where attendees met the speakers and explored local history exhibits.

Thank you to our speakers and everyone who joined us for this inspiring evening!

Veteran's Day

Each Veterans Day, the Oak Brook Historical Society proudly hosts a heartfelt ceremony to honor all who have served our country. As part of this annual tradition, we are building a permanent Digital Honor Roll of Oak Brook’s veterans—past and present.

Vets Day

Veterans Day Event Poster

American flag on black background with words to promote Oak Brook's Veteran's Day

Dick VanDerst

Veteran speaking at Oak Brook's Veteran's Day

Elizabeth Arts

Elizabeth Arts presenting at Veteran's Day

Veterans Day Event Poster

American flag on black background with words to promote Oak Brook's Veteran's Day

Veteran's Day 2024

Oak Brook Historical Society President Elizabeth Arts opened the solemn ceremony at Oak Brook Village Hall and introduced veteran Drs. John Belmonte and Dick VanDerst who shared their story of service in the Armed Forces. On behalf of Oak Brook's first responders, Oak Brook Chief of Police Brian Strockis salutes all veterans living and fallen in the line of duty for their service to the United States of America while Historical Society Vice President Lisa Griiffith shares the history of the society's Digital Honor Roll of Veterans before presenting the ever-growing scrolling tribute for 2024.

Oak Brook Historical Society

Oak Brook Village President Larry Herman

Oak Brook Police Chief Brian Strockis

Oak Brook Historical Society

Veteran's Day 2025

The Oak Brook Historical Society hosted its annual Veterans Day Ceremony on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. in the Sam Dean Board Room at Oak Brook Village Hall. The program, was led by Historical Society Vice-President Lisa Griffith and Village President Herman, featured musical performances by the Butler Junior High Choir, and an invocation by Rev. Tim Perry, USAF veteran of the Gulf War. Guest speakers included distinguished veterans Wes Becton—U.S. Army Ranger School graduate, former Honor Guard Company Commander, longtime healthcare executive, and current board chairman for Elmhurst University—and Lori Tompos, a Gulf War I PATRIOT Missile System officer, West Point graduate, and pioneering leader in Combat Arms branches who now serves as Founder/CEO of Avail Consulting. Additional remarks were offered by Oak Brook Police Chief Brian Strockis and Fire Battalion Chief Mike Pavlovic. The ceremony also included a presentation of the Veterans Honor Roll and a closing patriotic performance by the choir.

Other Events

Other

Cemetery Walk Group Photo

Cemetery Walk Banner

Cemetery Walk Group Photo

Cemetery Walk

In October, the Oak Brook Historical Society hosted a spellbinding evening where history truly came to life! Guests enjoyed a guided stroll through the beautiful grounds of Bronswood Cemetery as costumed spirits rose from the past to share stories of the community’s remarkable pioneers. Along the scenic half-mile path, small groups were guided by local lore while GreenMan Theatre Troupe actors brought to life the men and women whose vision and determination shaped Oak Brook’s history. The one-hour walk included a midway rest stop with complimentary seasonal refreshments, offering a chance to relax and enjoy the autumn atmosphere. It was an unforgettable night filled with drama, history, and hometown pride under the stars!

Potawatomi Culture Presentation

Oak Brook Historical Society and Oak Brook Library are proud to announce an upcoming presentation by Gina Roxas, Executive Director of the Trickster Cultural Center. Ms. Roxas, an enrolled member of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation and a descendent of the fish clan, will share her unique perspective on the Potawatomi way of life, from ancient traditions to modern adaptations.

Drawing upon firsthand experiences and the cherished stories passed down from her grandmother, Ms. Roxas will offer an intimate and authentic glimpse into Potawatomi culture. Her presentation promises to be an engaging and informative journey through the rich heritage of a people who have thrived in harmony with their environment for generations.

Oak Brook's Legacy Lives On:
An Afternoon with Reute Butler

Oak Brook Historical Society and Oak Brook Library invite you to an afternoon with Ruete Butler, granddaughter of Oak Brook's founder Paul Butler, on Sunday, October 6th, 2024, at 2:00 PM at the Oak Brook Public Library. Reute will share her family's remarkable contributions to the Village of Oak Brook, drawing from the memoir "JORIE: THE EXTRAORDINARY LIFE OF JORIE BUTLER KENT," which she co-produced with her mother. Her presentation will highlight the Butler family's enduring impact on the community, their commitment to conservation, and philanthropy. A Q&A session and book signing will follow, with proceeds benefitting Friends of Conservation.

Fullersburg 1832 - 1862

As the Black Hawk War concluded in 1832, Gen. Winfield Scott asked Lt. Sherman King to keep an eye on the Potawatomi around Fullersburg, where the largest Native American village in DuPage County had existed. By 1862, early settler Benjamin Fuller lobbied the CB & Q. Railroad for a station stop in Fullersburg, which had become a hub for business and transportation. What caused such rapid change during these 30 years? In what ways did Fullersburg progress during its early settlement years? What qualities did the men and women possess that contributed to the growth and commercial success of this area?

Lecturers Don Fuller, Sue Devick, and Elizabeth Arts from the Fullersburg Historic Foundation and Oak Brook Historical Society.

If you missed our Fullersburg presentation you can get a tour of this extinct settlement town by visiting our Archives.

Country Estates of Gentlemen Farmers in DuPage County

Join Linda Neff, docent and researcher at Mayslake Peabody Estate for a presentation about the country estates of gentlemen farmers in DuPage County in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Learn more about the estates of Paul Butler, Joy Morton and Dan and Ada Rice which featured beautiful showcase homes designed by prominent architects of the time.

Cocoa Cabin Carolers

Smiling Baristas at the Cocoa Cabin

Cocoa Cabin Banner

Cocoa Cabin Carolers

Cemetery Walk

In October, the Oak Brook Historical Society hosted a spellbinding evening where history truly came to life! Guests enjoyed a guided stroll through the beautiful grounds of Bronswood Cemetery as costumed spirits rose from the past to share stories of the community’s remarkable pioneers. Along the scenic half-mile path, small groups were guided by local lore while GreenMan Theatre Troupe actors brought to life the men and women whose vision and determination shaped Oak Brook’s history. The one-hour walk included a midway rest stop with complimentary seasonal refreshments, offering a chance to relax and enjoy the autumn atmosphere. It was an unforgettable night filled with drama, history, and hometown pride under the stars!

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Events

Don’t miss out on the excitement! Take a look at the calendar below to for upcoming events. Our goal is to bring history to life and create lasting memories with our events. Explore what’s happening and join us for an experience you won’t forget!

Previous Events

Audrey Muschler Speaker Series

The Underground Railroad in DuPage County A Journey Through Local & National History

Veteran's Day

Veteran's Day 2024

Other Events

Cemetery Walk

Never Miss Out

Celebrating our shared legacy.

The Underground Railroad in DuPage County
A Journey Through Local & National History