Museum unveils historic 1903 map offering glimpse of McHenry County’s past

The McHenry County Historical Society and Museum in Union has introduced a new interactive way to explore the history of McHenry County.

Visitors can immerse themselves in the county's past through a 15-foot x 15-foot reproduction of a map dated 1903. This map highlights the 17 townships, as well as the roads, railroads, rural mail routes, churches, residences, schools, and cemeteries located throughout the area.

Executive Director Jolie Diepenhorst collaborated with Huge Prints, a local printer based in Rockford, Illinois, to create this engaging presentation. The map, made possible through the Library of Congress, showcases the agrarian culture of McHenry County and features familiar names such as Perkins in Seneca Township and Pringle in Marengo. Visitors will also find many cemeteries and one-room schoolhouses that once existed in the county.

Diepenhorst said, "The goal is to attract visitors from all ages. Older generations will recognize the names of farmers from days gone by; Millennials might be intrigued by the roads and transportation, meanwhile the younger generations can learn about maps and, with help, locate the area of their homes on the map. It is truly a family affair."

In the future, museum staff plan to offer geography and map skills lessons using the map.

Come see the map and find your connection to McHenry County during Heritage Fair on Sunday, July 13, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission to the museum at 6422 Main St. is free. On other days, admission to the museum is $5 or $3 for seniors and children. Members are free.

Learn more at mchenrycountyhistory.org or facebook.com/McHenryCountyHistoricalSociety/.