The Ouilmettes: A Retelling
First Floor
This exhibit in the first floor rotating gallery explores the extraordinary lives and legacies of Antoine and Archange Ouilmette and their eight children. Their story is interwoven with significant moments in history, including the earliest days of Chicago, the treaty era of the 1800s, the removal of the Potawatomi and other native peoples, and the origins of this village.
The Ouilmettes: A Retelling is the first full-scale exhibit about the Ouilmette family in our museum.
From Settlement to Suburb
Ongoing
First Floor
On the first floor is this exhibit about the people who settled Gross Point and Wilmette in the 19th century.
Among the rare artifacts on display are the medicine bag (complete with vials!) of the Village’s first doctor, Byron Stolp, the surveyor’s compass used to lay out Wilmette’s first streets, and a phrase-book that Gross Point’s German immigrants used to help them make their way across America.
Native Americans on the North Shore
Ongoing
First Floor
Before 19th century treaties forced them to relocate, there were Native American communities in the Wilmette area for more than 10,000 years. On display are examples of their finely crafted stone tools and ceramic objects, including the haunting “effigy head,” one of the oldest and most famous artifacts in our collection.
Don’t miss a chance to see locally made objects that are thousands of years old!
Wilmette Stories
Ongoing
First Floor
The Gross Point Village Hall’s former fire station bay features stories that help to illuminate the special character of our community and its people.
We begin with the tale of the Ouilmettes, from whom the Village got its name, and continue with “Made in Wilmette” stories, the long battle over “No Man’s Land,” the story behind Wilmette’s miles of brick streets, and the creation of beloved Roemer Park.
Adding to the exhibit are two special paintings created for the Village by local artist George Lusk in 1934. These enormous murals of Wilmette scenes—each painting is fourteen feet long—were out of public view for many years and are now proudly on display.
Local Legends
Ongoing
Lower Level
This corridor exhibit on the Museum’s lower level features a selection of celebrities who have called Wilmette their home. Pictures and stories illuminate the local lives of such accomplished hometown favorites as Bobbi Brown, Jens Jensen, Bill Murray and many others.
Historic Gross Point Jail
Ongoing
Lower Level
The Gross Point Village Hall had it all: clerk’s office, fire department, and police department—including four jail cells. Thanks to this restoration you can find out how it felt to be locked up in one of the gloomy old basement cells. (Kids of all ages love this exhibit!)
In the adjoining cell, Early Policing in Wilmette and Gross Point features antique equipment like handcuffs and a billy club.
Good Sports: Wilmette Women Gear Up
August 2025 – Summer 2026
Lower Level
Sprint on over to see the latest costume gallery exhibit! From the collection housed here at the museum, we have selected 20th century women’s exercise wear, from a nifty bloomer outfit to shiny workout spandex, and lots in between. Every sport must allow the wearer freedom of movement to run, swim, sweep (curling, anyone?) stretch, and swing. There’s even a charming ice-skating outfit, made in Wilmette and twirled-in on the Village Green ice rink.
Adopt an Artifact: Gross Point Edition
January – June 2026
Museum Entrance
These artifacts tell the stories of businesses along Ridge Road in Gross Point. Ridge Road was the center of commerce with a lively row of saloons, butchers, and general stores extending from Lake to Wilmette Avenue. Today, Ridge Road businesses continue to serve their community.