Little White School Museum

Little White School Museum First a Methodist-Episcopal church, then as a beloved elementary school, and now a community museum. Step in and take a step back in time.

The Little White School Museum, located at 72 Polk Street in downtown Oswego, IL holds the rich history of the community and reflects the spirit of its early residents. Built as a church in 1850, then used as a school until the mid 1960’s, the building is now a community museum open to the public and an archive of local Oswegoland history. The Oswegoland Heritage Association operates the museum in

partnership with the Oswegoland Park District. Museum gallery is open Friday through Monday, Noon - 5pm. The Little White School Museum archives and research are available by appointment.

Pre-Register today to join us for a special bus tour on June 13 at noon! European pioneers weren’t the only people to se...
06/06/2026

Pre-Register today to join us for a special bus tour on June 13 at noon!

European pioneers weren’t the only people to settle in Oswego. In fact, during the late 1800s, Kendall County was becoming quite diverse! Hop aboard as we take you on an informative and eye-opening bus tour of locations associated with local African American history. Presented by the Oswegoland Heritage Association in partnership with the Oswegoland Park District.

Register at the following link:
https://anc.apm.activecommunities.com/oswegolandparks/activity/search/detail/28855?onlineSiteId=0&locale=en-US&from_original_cui=true

Join us between June 19 and 21 for the Quilter's Dozen 2026 PrarieFest Quilt Show! Show Hours:Friday, June 19 and Saturd...
06/04/2026

Join us between June 19 and 21 for the Quilter's Dozen 2026 PrarieFest Quilt Show!

Show Hours:
Friday, June 19 and Saturday, June 20, from 10am to 4pm
Sunday, June 21 from 12 to 4pm

If you would like to display your quilt, fill out the form listed under "Quilt Show Registration" (here) to drop off with your quilt between 10am and 2pm on Wednesday, June 17.

To purchase tickets this year's raffle quilt, Susie's Stars (Pictured behind the quilters above), follow this link (here). Raffle drawings occur on Sunday, June 21 at 4pm.

Join us at the Little White School Museum on Saturday, June 6, at noon for a special presentation from Roger Matile! Aft...
05/29/2026

Join us at the Little White School Museum on Saturday, June 6, at noon for a special presentation from Roger Matile!

After the Civil War, Kendall County’s population underwent a century of steady decline as the county remained largely rural. But starting in the 1960s, not only did the county begin seeing significant population growth spurred by the post-World War II Baby Boom, but it also began to rapidly undergo significant changes to its basic character. During this program, museum director Roger Matile will take participants on a guided tour of the vast changes the county has undergone during the last 160 years as its almost entirely rural character transformed to a bustling, fast-growing Chicago exurb.

Register at the following link:
https://anc.apm.activecommunities.com/oswegolandparks/activity/search/detail/28851?onlineSiteId=0&locale=en-US&from_original_cui=true

Join us on Saturday, May 30, at noon for a special program! Though Oswego is firmly Midwestern today, in the early 19th ...
05/22/2026

Join us on Saturday, May 30, at noon for a special program!

Though Oswego is firmly Midwestern today, in the early 19th century it was considered part of the American West. As part of the nation’s 250th anniversary celebration, join Museum Coordinator Joe Noce for an illustrated presentation exploring Oswego’s frontier past. From settlement patterns and transportation routes to daily life on the edge of expansion, this program connects local history to the broader story of westward growth and highlights how traces of that era can still be seen in the community today.

Register at the following link:
https://anc.apm.activecommunities.com/oswegolandparks/activity/search/detail/27889?onlineSiteId=0&locale=en-US&from_original_cui=true

There's still time to register for our Hafenrichter History Hike at Farmington Lake on May 23 at 10am! Today, Oswego kno...
05/18/2026

There's still time to register for our Hafenrichter History Hike at Farmington Lake on May 23 at 10am!

Today, Oswego knows Farmington Lakes Park as one of its premier parks, offering many outdoor adventures. But Farmington Lakes Park and the surrounding area have been more than just a recreation throughout history. Enjoy a guided hike along the storied trails of Farmington Lakes Park to explore its rich history, as well as the history of the land's historic owners, the Hafenrichter Family. Participants will meet in the parking lot off of Douglas Road and Farmington Lakes Drive.

Register at the following link:
https://anc.apm.activecommunities.com/oswegolandparks/activity/search/detail/27843?onlineSiteId=0&locale=en-US&from_original_cui=true

Join us at the Little White School Museum on Saturday, June 6, at noon for a special presentation from Roger Matile! Aft...
05/16/2026

Join us at the Little White School Museum on Saturday, June 6, at noon for a special presentation from Roger Matile!

After the Civil War, Kendall County’s population underwent a century of steady decline as the county remained largely rural. But starting in the 1960s, not only did the county begin seeing significant population growth spurred by the post-World War II Baby Boom, but it also began to rapidly undergo significant changes to its basic character. During this program, museum director Roger Matile will take participants on a guided tour of the vast changes the county has undergone during the last 160 years as its almost entirely rural character transformed to a bustling, fast-growing Chicago exurb.

Register at the following link:
https://anc.apm.activecommunities.com/oswegolandparks/activity/search/detail/28851?onlineSiteId=0&locale=en-US&from_original_cui=true

Pictured above is a map from the 1870 Atlas of Kendall County.

There's still time to register for our Sears Home Tour on Saturday, May 16 at 12pm!Between 1908 and 1942, Sears Roebuck...
05/09/2026

There's still time to register for our Sears Home Tour on Saturday, May 16 at 12pm!

Between 1908 and 1942, Sears Roebuck and Company sold ready-to-build kit homes right out of their catalogs, and many people in Oswego bought them! Learn about some of the Sears homes that are still standing, how to identify them, and who had them built.

Register at the following link: https://anc.apm.activecommunities.com/oswegolandparks/activity/search/detail/27845?onlineSiteId=0&locale=en-US&from_original_cui=true

Stop by the Museum any time during our regular operating hours to vote on your favorite submission for our 2026 Capturin...
05/06/2026

Stop by the Museum any time during our regular operating hours to vote on your favorite submission for our 2026 Capturing Oswego Photo Contest!

Pictured above is a submission from last year's contest taken by Budd Bieber.

It's officially historic preservation month! The Little White School Museum would like to thank our wonderful community ...
05/04/2026

It's officially historic preservation month! The Little White School Museum would like to thank our wonderful community for supporting us and helping to keep the history of Oswegoland preserved!

Address

72 Polk Street
Oswego, IL
60543

Opening Hours

Monday 4pm - 9pm
Thursday 2pm - 6:30pm
Friday 2pm - 6:30pm
Saturday 9am - 2pm
Sunday 9am - 2pm

Telephone

+16305542999

Website

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