Archives Held by the Museum

Wilmette Bicentennial Commission

The Wilmette Bicentennial Commission was created by Village Ordinance in 1974. Their responsibilities included arranging special community events and encouraging local organizations to carry out their own Bicentennial projects. The final report of the Commission was filed with the Wilmette Village Board in October 1977.

Box #1

• Applications
• Final report
• Minutes, 25 June 1974 - 14 Dec 1976
• Historical information and inventory
• Budget and financial information
• Initial planning
• Plaque marking oldest tree
• Nation-wide bell ringing, 4 July 1976
• 1976 vehicle sticker
• Archivan
• Mallinckrodt Lecture Series
• American and English newspapers, Jim Williams
• Painting fire hydrants
• US Armed Forces Caravan
• 10th Congressional District joint calendar
• Public debate at New Trier High School
• Wilmette Life, religious denominations
• Bicentennial mural
• Bicentennial band
• Wilmette schools: time capsule, etc.
• Exhibits by churches
• Miscellaneous
• Wilmete Historical Society Bicentennial programs
• Carrying US flag from N. to S. borders of US
• Park District production: "George M."
• Dedication of Village Hall and Centennial Fountain
• Charter weekend: Torchlight Parade and 5-star Festival
• Jerry Brand's Walk across America
• Bicentennial Wagon Train
• Wilmette Life, fictional letters
• Flying of American flags in Village
• "Wilmette: A History" Book
• Illinois correspondent, newsletters, publications
• Additions: presidential message, Copy of "Wilmette: A History," 3 volumes of Comprehensive Calendar of Bicentennial Events