Libertyville Historical Society launches ‘Liberty and Union Campaign to Restore the Wide Awakes Banner’
On June 1, the Libertyville Historical Society launched the “Liberty and Union Campaign to Restore the Wide Awakes Banner,” an ambitious preservation initiative to restore a historic silk banner from 1860. The Wide Awakes banner, on display at the Ansel B. Cook Home Museum, commemorates Libertyville’s leadership in a nationwide political movement that helped propel Abraham Lincoln to the presidency.
The black silk banner, with gold-leaf lettering and a hand-painted image of a torchlight parade, is 165 years old and requires immediate restoration. Expert conservation work to stabilize the silk, repair painted details, and construct a custom, museum-grade display case with UV protection is estimated to cost $30,000.
Only $6,000 more is needed to initiate the restoration. The Society is thrilled to announce that $24,000 has already been raised for this project.
“This banner is more than a piece of fabric; it’s a symbol of Libertyville’s activism and its enduring connection to one of the most transformative elections in U.S. history,” said Jenny Barry, President of the Libertyville Historical Society. “The Liberty and Union Campaign will ensure this invaluable artifact is preserved for future generations and that its story continues to inspire.”
Learn more about the Wide Awakes and how Libertyville earned this recognition at libertyvillehistory.org.
The conservation process will also reveal the back of the banner, which hasn’t been seen in 98 years. Some historical records suggest there is an inscription on the reverse side of the banner.
The Libertyville Historical Society invites the community to play a vital role in preserving this local treasure and revealing the long-hidden secret of its reverse side. Contributions can be made through the Historical Society’s website at libertyvillehistory.org or by mailing a donation to the Libertyville Historical Society, 413 N. Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville, IL 60048. Donors will be recognized in a commemorative publication celebrating the banner’s restoration.
See the iconic Wide Awakes banner (in its current state) along with original Wide Awakes torches and a reproduction Wide Awakes uniform with its dramatic cape and cap at the Ansel B. Cook Home Museum This Summer. Civil War-related items from the Libertyville Historical Society collection will be featured on the second floor, while selections from a private collection of original Civil War era dresses will be on display throughout the house.
Hawthorn Mellody Farm memorabilia are featured in the Libertyville History Gallery during 2025.
Summer museum hours are from 2-4 p.m. Sundays through Aug. 31, with additional open houses during Libertyville Days and Festival of the Arts.
Founded to collect, preserve, and share the rich history of Libertyville, the Libertyville Historical Society operates the Ansel B. Cook Home Museum and offers programs, exhibits, and resources to connect the community with its past.