Waukegan History Museum at the Carnegie

06/21/2026

Celebrate the summer solstice by attending the final day of the Little Fort Environmental Films Festival on the shore of Lake Michigan. You can catch international and locally focused films exploring environmental justice, water preservation, and conservation. Screenings start at noon today and run across three inclusive venues, including the Waukegan History Museum at the Carnegie.

🎬 The day is finally here.

After months of planning, collaboration, and anticipation, the inaugural Little Fort Environmental Film Festival begins today.

Over the next two days, we will gather to experience powerful films, engage in meaningful conversations, connect with filmmakers, and celebrate stories that deepen our understanding of the world around us.

To our filmmakers, partners, volunteers, sponsors, and attendees—thank you for being part of this journey.

Welcome to the Little Fort Environmental Film Festival. We can't wait to share this experience with you.

🌎🎥 June 20–21

06/19/2026

the Little Fort Environmental Films Festival premieres this weekend in Waukegan. Join us!

Amidst the perils of climate change and other environmental issues, some people worry about the impact on future generations.

06/18/2026

As we celebrate Juneteenth National Independence Day we’re reflecting on the contributions of Waukegan’s African American community. From Green Tarver, who worked for Dr. Vincent Price, Anna Perry Thomas, founder and teacher of the Happy Day Nursery, to Dr. Eugene King and his Rexes sports teams, and the many families who migrated to Waukegan to work in the city’s industries, the Black community has been integral to the city’s culture, growth and success.

06/16/2026

The inaugural Little Fort Environmental Films Festival is coming to Waukegan June 20-21. Will you join us? Be part of the conversation.

The countdown continues...just 5 days to go!

Award-winning films.
International filmmakers.
Community conversations.
Unique venues.
New perspectives.

As we get closer to the inaugural Little Fort Environmental Film Festival, we have one question:

For tickest: https://littlefortfilmfestival.org/

06/15/2026

Celebrate Juneteenth with Us!

Join us at the Waukegan History Museum at the Carnegie for a special, limited-time exhibit honoring the incredible legacy of the Trinity AME Church!

As one of the oldest African American churches in the area, Trinity AME has been a beacon of faith, resilience, and growth in our community. In celebration of Juneteenth, we are honored to display rare artifacts directly from the church archives, co-curated with members of the Library Services Council of Trinity AME Church.

📅 When: June 19, 2026 – June 21, 2026
📍 Where: Waukegan History Museum at the Carnegie (1 N. Sheridan Road, Waukegan, IL)

The museum is hosting a free admission day on Friday, June 19, from 11am - 4pm, in celebration of Juneteenth.

Bring your family and friends to reflect, learn and celebrate this important chapter of our local heritage!

06/10/2026

In just 10 days, filmmakers, audiences, and environmental storytellers will come together for the inaugural Little Fort Environmental Film Festival. The Waukegan History Museum at the Carnegie is proud to be one of the host venues. Join us for a weekend of inspiring films, meaningful conversations, and community!

For more info and tickets, visit: https://littlefortfilmfestival.org

In just 10 days, filmmakers, audiences, and environmental storytellers will come together for the inaugural Little Fort Environmental Film Festival.

Secure your tickets and join us for a weekend of inspiring films, meaningful conversations, and community.

🎟️ Get your tickets today.

For more info: https://littlefortfilmfestival.org/

05/22/2026

Put history on your calendar this Memorial Day weekend!

Discover 12,000 years of Waukegan's diverse and dynamic history, world-renowned author Ray Bradbury's private book collection in his restored childhood library, and a special exhibition by local photographer Mary Neely all on display at the Waukegan History Museum at the Carnegie.

At the Haines House Museum in Bowen Park, experience life in the 1870s in one of the oldest surviving buildings in Lake County. Highlights include the bed Abraham Lincoln slept on while visiting the city, artifacts of the Bowen Country Club founded by Jane Addams and Louise DeKoven Bowen of Chicago’s Hull House, and original paintings by former Waukegan resident Kate Cory, a prolific artist who lived among the Hopi people.

For more information and open hours, visit waukeganhistorical.org.

05/16/2026

Though Isaac L. Clarke of Vermont lived in Waukegan for only 15 years, he and his family contributed to the culture and growth of the community across many generations.

After graduating from Dartmouth College, Clarke came west to Waukegan in 1848. He secured a position at the Waukegan Academy, Lake County's first school of higher learning. Clarke was the associate principal and ancient languages and mathematics teacher.

He caught gold fever in 1850, leaving Waukegan to strike it rich in the California gold mines. When he returned several years later he became a lawyer.

On April 15, 1861, when news reached Waukegan by telegram of the fall of Fort Sumter and President Lincoln’s call for men to enlist, Clarke was one of the first and most vocal to respond.

To learn more about Clarke and Waukegan’s role in the American Civil War, join us on Thursday, May 21 at 6 p.m. for Diana Dretske’s presentation, The Bonds of War: 96th Illinois and the Union Cause.

The program, sponsored by the Waukegan Historical Society, is free. Register to reserve your spot at https://www.waukeganhistorical.org/events