Front view of the Dunn Museum
Dunn Museum

WHERE IS THIS?
1899 West Winchester Rd
Libertyville IL 60048
Call Us:
847-968-3400
Hours & Admission

Arrive Curious. Leave Inspired.

We are stewards. Storytellers. Educators. Explorers. We are dedicated to sharing the entwined stories of people, events and nature through exhibitions, education and community engagement. At the Dunn Museum, our passion is to explore history as a vibrant force that connects us all through time. Our vision is to encourage and inspire others to make a positive influence in their communities and our world.

DUNN_Logo_RGB

Dunn Museum Exhibits

Browse our featured and permanent museum exhibitions and see what Dunn Museum has to offer.

On Exhibit
August 31–January 20, 2025

On Exhibit

Prehistoric Lake County
Permanent Exhibition

Prehistoric Lake County

The First People
Permanent Exhibition

The First People

An American Frontier
Permanent Exhibition

An American Frontier

Innovations & Preservation
Permanent Exhibition

Innovations & Preservation

View All Exhibitions
  • Seniors viewing an old map at the Dunn Museum

    Adults & Senior Groups

    Presentations taught by our environmental and history educators are available to be booked for adult groups.

    Learn More

  • Front view of the Bess Bower Dunn Museum

    School Programs

    Field trips, in-school programs and virtual programs are available throughout the year. Topics include a large variety of environmental and history education options that support Illinois Learning Standards.

    Learn More

  • Group of students posing for a photo at the Dunn Museum

    Summer Adventures

    Over summer, children and teenagers can join Summer Adventures for hands-on activities for every age. Programs are led by our skilled educators.

    Learn More

  • Postcard art of the Chain O'Lakes

    History Blog

    This blog illuminates Lake County, Illinois' historical past through stories of people, events and the land. It features photos and objects from the Bess Bower Dunn Museum's collection.

    Learn More

  • Children playing at the Dunn Museum sensory event

    Upcoming Events

    Designed for adults, children and families, public programs offer a variety of opportunities including hands-on workshops, storytelling, guided tours, lectures and seasonal events.

    Learn More

  • American Mastodon story on DunnTV

    DunnTV

    Watch DunnTV on YouTube and explore history as a vibrant force that connects us all through time. Our vision is to encourage and inspire others to make a positive influence in their communities and our world.

    Learn More

Meet Bess Bower Dunn

The Dunn Museum is named for Bess Bower Dunn (1877-1959). Bess was a woman of firsts. She was one of the first women in motion pictures. She was the first Assistant Probate Clerk for Lake County, the first official Lake County Historian, and one of Lake County's earliest genealogists

Bess deserves much credit for her work preserving the early history of Lake County, Illinois. She promoted the county's history through lectures and the efforts of the Lake County Historical Society (LCHS). She was a founding member of the LCHS where she personally collected some of the items in the LCHS collection - which are now in the care and ownership of the Dunn Museum.

Meet Bess
Bess Bower Dunn Waukegan 1896 2

BessQuoteMural

Research and Collections

The Dunn Museum's collections, which comprise nearly 20,000 artifacts and 1,000 linear feet of archival materials, are securely housed in a modern environmentally controlled care and storage facility.

Irreplaceable collections held in public trust are protected with precise temperature and humidity control, as well as security and fire suppression capabilities, preserving Lake County's cultural heritage for future generations to discover and enjoy.

More About Research Collections Donation
DunnMuseum-9188-SpaceSaver






Mission

The Bess Bower Dunn Museum of Lake County collects, preserves, and interprets the material culture of Lake County, Illinois, and provides captivating educational experiences and inspiring exhibitions for the benefit of every Lake County resident.

Volunteer Opportunities

The Dunn Museum docent program provides volunteers an in-depth knowledge of the county's history. Volunteers receive the training and share that knowledge with visitors. Visitor Services volunteers greet guests while working at the Museum's reception desk. Learn more »

Contact

Bess Bower Dunn Museum of Lake County
1899 West Winchester Road | Libertyville, IL 60048
847-968-3400

Dunn@LCFPD.org

Support The Dunn Museum

Support the Dunn Museum through the Preservation Foundation of the Lake County Forest Preserves.

Support the Museum