West Chicago's most famous son made a fortune in barbed wire, helped found Texaco, and became one of the wealthiest men in America — then spent it all on a town that wasn't his hometown.

Join us for an evening with author Archie L. Bentz Jr. as he tells the story of John Warne Gates: born in Turner in 1855, raised on a farm just south of Route 59, and launched into history from a hardware store on Main Street. Bentz will present from his book Bet-A-Million Gates: The Man History Forgot, followed by a book signing.

📅 Wednesday, May 13, 2026

🕡 6:30 PM

📍 Fox Community Center

🎟️ Free — no registration required

Questions? Contact us at wegohistory@gmail.com.

Join us as we have an informal disucussion “Mayflower: Voyage, Community , War” by Nathaniel Philbrick. Light refreshements will be served.

We’re open and ready for holiday magic! Come visit us at Frosty Fest in downtown West Chicago on the first Saturday of December—from about 4:30 pm to 7:00 pm—and stop by the museum to see the lego depot and for a cozy warm-up spot. (Mark your calendar!)

Come celebrate the unveiling of our new mural depicting West Chicago's rich history. Created through a collaboration between artist Matt Buko and the museum, this vibrant artwork transforms our building while sharing our community's story. Meet the artist and museum staff to learn about the project while enjoying light refreshments.

Join us as we discuss “Historic Chicago Bakeries”.

All are welcome! No need to have read the book to attend!

The West Chicago City Museum is excited to offer a hands-on art and history maker program, bringing the past to life through creative projects!

This month, we’re celebrating Día de los Muertos by creating frames to remember our favorite people or memories.

Join us on Saturday, October 11, 2025 to drop in and design your own sign, or pick up a to-go kit to complete at home!

Can’t make it to the event but still want to participate? Request a kit and we’ll deliver one to any West Chicago address!

We are excited to open up our CB&Q 1860s Depot and partner with People Made Visible for a train art display on select Saturday mornings this July and August! Stop by THIS SATURDAY from 10am-noon and talk with local railroad photographer Philip Weibler while viewing some of his award-winning train photographs.

Join the West Chicago City Museum and People Made Visible for Train Saturdays on Turner Court!

Explore the Museum's 1860s CB&Q Depot, its historic train displays, and C&NW Roundhouse Model and then pop over to 203 Turner Court to see an art display featuring trains, trains, and more trains! During July and August photographs by local railroad photographer Phil Weilber will be featured alongside other works. 

The West Chicago City Museum is excited to offer a hands-on art and history maker program, bringing the past to life through creative projects! This month, learn how to make a friendship bracelet inspired by the knot-tying traditions of immigrant communities in West Chicago.

Join us on Saturday, June 14 from 10 AM–Noon to drop in and create your own bracelet, or pick up a to-go kit to complete at home! Each kit includes colorful embroidery floss, a step-by-step guide, and a historical reference sheet exploring Mexican macramé, Polish woven designs, and Italian sailor’s knots—all of which have ties to West Chicago’s history.

Did you know? Knots were more than just decoration in many cultures—they symbolized friendship, protection, and strength. Whether used for sailing, crafting, or marking important bonds, these techniques were passed down through generations and brought to West Chicago by immigrants who made the city their home.

Can’t make it to the event but still want to participate? Request a kit and we’ll deliver one to any West Chicago address!

We are excited to open up our CB&Q 1860s Depot and partner with People Made Visible for a train art display on select Saturday mornings this July and August! Stop by THIS SATURDAY from 10am-noon and talk with local railroad photographer Philip Weibler while viewing some of his award-winning train photographs.

Join the West Chicago City Museum and People Made Visible for Train Saturdays on Turner Court!

Explore the Museum's 1860s CB&Q Depot, its historic train displays, and C&NW Roundhouse Model and then pop over to 203 Turner Court to see an art display featuring trains, trains, and more trains! During July and August photographs by local railroad photographer Phil Weibler will be featured alongside other works. 

The West Chicago City Museum is excited to offer a hands-on art and history maker program, bringing the past to life through creative projects! This month, celebrate Christmas in July by creating a historic-style ornament inspired by West Chicago’s holiday traditions.

Join us on Saturday, July 12 from 10 AM–Noon to drop in and craft your own ornament, or pick up a to-go kit to complete at home! Each kit includes materials to design a unique decoration using techniques from the past—whether it’s Victorian paper quilling, painted glass inspired by downtown window displays, or a nature-themed wood slice ornament.

Did you know? West Chicago has a rich history of handmade holiday decorations, from families crafting ornaments out of paper and wood to the beautifully painted storefront windows that once lined Main Street during the holidays. These traditions brought warmth and creativity to the season, long before mass-produced decorations became common.

Can’t make it to the event but still want to participate? Request a kit and we’ll deliver one to any West Chicago address!

The West Chicago City Museum is excited to offer a hands-on art and history maker program, bringing the past to life through creative projects! This month, learn how to make a friendship bracelet inspired by the knot-tying traditions of immigrant communities in West Chicago.

Join us on Saturday, June 14 from 10 AM–Noon to drop in and create your own bracelet, or pick up a to-go kit to complete at home! Each kit includes colorful embroidery floss, a step-by-step guide, and a historical reference sheet exploring Mexican macramé, Polish woven designs, and Italian sailor’s knots—all of which have ties to West Chicago’s history.

Did you know? Knots were more than just decoration in many cultures—they symbolized friendship, protection, and strength. Whether used for sailing, crafting, or marking important bonds, these techniques were passed down through generations and brought to West Chicago by immigrants who made the city their home.

Can’t make it to the event but still want to participate? Request a kit and we’ll deliver one to any West Chicago address!

The West Chicago City Museum is excited to offer a hands-on art and history maker program, bringing the past to life through creative projects! This month, explore the history of stamps and signage in West Chicago by carving your own eraser stamp—just like the ones once used by railroad offices, businesses, and post offices to mark tickets, packages, and goods.

Join us on Saturday, May 10 from 10 AM–Noon to drop in and make your own stamp, or pick up a to-go kit to complete at home! Each kit includes everything you need to design, carve, and print your own unique stamp inspired by West Chicago’s history.

Can’t make it to the event but still want to participate? Request a kit and we’ll deliver one to any West Chicago address!

The West Chicago City Museum is excited to offer a hands-on art and history maker program, bringing the past to life through creative projects! This month, learn how to craft a traditional corn husk doll—a simple yet meaningful toy made by children in the past using everyday materials.

Join us on Saturday, April 12 from 10 AM–Noon to drop in and make your own doll, or pick up a to-go kit to complete at home! Each kit includes everything you need to soak, shape, and tie your doll, just like families in West Chicago’s historic boxcar communities once did.

Did you know? Corn husk dolls were common toys in Mexican, Polish, and Indigenous traditions, made from the same husks used in cooking and household items. These dolls symbolized resourcefulness and creativity—traits that helped shape West Chicago’s diverse history.

Can’t make it to the event but still want to participate? Request a kit and we’ll deliver one to any West Chicago address!

The West Chicago City Museum is excited to launch a new art and history maker program on the Second Saturday of every month. History based art projects will be set up at the museum to drop-in and take part in OR to pick up a to go bag to complete at home.

Everyone is welcome to stop by our first 2025 event on Saturday, March 8th from 10am-noon to weave, make your own pot holder, doll rug, or any other project! Cardboard looms and yarn will also be available to take home. Weaving was once a very popular activity in the United States and still is in Indigenous communities and other places throughout the world.

Can’t make it to the event but would still like to take part? Email us at wegohistotry@gmail.com and we will deliver a weaving kit to any West Chicago address.