Settlers—both American and immigrant—began to arrive in Lake County in the early 1830s. They found a region rich in available, cheap land. The black soil, clear water, and abundant forests of oak and hickory supplied the resources needed to build homes and communities. Many of these early settlers would later go off to fight in the American Civil War, the majority of which fought in the 96th Illinois Volunteer Infantry.

 

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For centuries, women have helped to defend the nation in times of war and conflict. In this tribute to those who served, the Dunn Museum shares unique Lake County stories and explores women's roles as nurses, auxiliary personnel, enlistees, and officers in the U.S. military. The nation's struggle was their struggle, and women wanted to have a larger role, equal to men in responsibility and risk.

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Experience Mundelein resident Charles Warner’s (1884–1964) hand-carved folk art cathedrals, created in remembrance of his childhood in Poland. Each of Warner’s five models capture his impressions of the architecture and vibrant colors of the Old World. Ranging from three to five feet in height, the cathedrals are painted in a rainbow of hues with towers, spires and colorful windows. In Color and Light: Charles Warner’s Miniature Cathedrals, enjoy 360-degree views of the cathedrals and, for the first time, take a virtual look inside at the meticulously decorated interiors, filled with light and color.

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Before the American Civil War (1861–1865), antislavery sentiment inspired abolitionists to work for the immediate emancipation of all enslaved people and to end racial discrimination. As part of abolitionist efforts, they aided fugitives from slavery by providing them with food and safe passage to freedom in Northern states and ultimately Canada.

The Underground Railroad was an informal network of secret routes and safe houses, which used railroad terminology, but was not actually a railroad. The routes were “lines,” those who helped fugitives were “conductors,” and safe houses were “stations.”

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Our Voice is Black History is a collaboration between the Dunn Museum and the College of Lake County's Black Student Union. It offers a unique look at a representation of the African American voice of Lake County. The exhibition examines and explores multigenerational stories and experiences through graphic design, poetry, writing, art, and video interviews that portray the voice of the African Americans' past and reality, which becomes Our Voice.

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The history of Earth’s life is an incredible story that began some 4 billion years ago with life’s origin in primordial seas. Since that time, an untold number of forms have evolved and fallen to extinction. The only records of their existence are the remains—or fossils—they left behind. Entombed within the rocks beneath our feet are clues to this ancient world and the history of our own region.

 

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The Pursuit of Happiness: Many Journeys, One Community explores Lake County’s history and diverse community as part of the America 250 anniversary.

We chose the phrase “pursuit of happiness” from the preamble of the Declaration of Independence for its complexity and its varied, evolving interpretations.

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Whether behind the handle bars of a bicycle, the wheel of a souped-up car or the flying hooves of a horse, nothing compares to the thrill of the race!

Attracting spectators and participants alike, these tests of speed, endurance and skill played an important role in Lake County’s history. In the Dunn Museum’s Ready, Set, GO! Lake County’s Racing History special exhibition, explore photographs and artifacts of boat races on the Chain O’ Lakes, harness racing at the Lake County Fair, motor racing at Half Day and Waukegan Speedways, runners at 5Ks and the Lake County Races, and more.

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Reima V. Ratti (1914–1945) was born in Waukegan to Finnish immigrants and came of age during the Great Depression when he labored as a rock crusher with the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). The back-breaking work became an inspiration for his art, and led to his acceptance as an official artist of the CCC Art Program. Ratti’s love of art guided his life as he documented the world around him in sketches and paintings of landscapes and his community, until his untimely death at the age of 31.

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*This virtual exhibit is not compatible with iPhone mobile devices.

Quilts and textiles from the Dunn Museum's collections provide a colorful glimpse of Lake County's history from the 1830s to the 2000s. Through quilts, clothing and sewing artifacts, this exhibition showcases stories stitched into every piece—from a quilt passed down through four generations to a winter wedding gown worn by a Yugoslavian-American bride. Textiles, whether used for fashion, décor or comfort, reveal the rich and intricate narratives woven into the fabric of our shared past.

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