The Collection
The collection of over 40,000 historic objects, documents, and photographs at the Arlington Heights Historical Museum is owned by the Arlington Heights Historical Society and includes objects and materials from the Village’s earliest history in the mid-1800s to the present day. Some areas of note in the collection include bottles and other objects from the F.W. Muller and Arlington Club soda business; objects related to William Dunton, the Village’s founder; and objects from Arlington High School.
Objects from the Museum’s collection are on display in the Muller House, Banta House, Coach House and in the permanent and temporary exhibits in the Museum Center.
The Museum welcomes donations of historic materials that fit with its Mission and collecting needs.
All potential donations are evaluated based on:
- Their fit with the Museum’s Mission
- The object’s ability to help the Museum tell the story of Arlington Heights
- The Museum’s ability to care for the object
- Whether or not the Museum’s collection already contains the same or a similar object
- The specific story associated with your specific object (who used it, where, when, why, where was it originally purchased, made, etc.)
If you believe you have an object, document, or photograph that would be appropriate for the Museum’s collection, please contact the Curator, Stephanie Lee at 847-255-1225 or email slee@ahpd.org.
A portion of the Museum’s archival and photograph collections are available for online viewing through Digital Past. These include early telephone directories, the Sigwalt Diaries, and other Arlington Heights related items. In partnership with the Arlington Heights Memorial Library.
Found a Historic Image in Our Collection That You Want to Use?
Photocopies, reprints, enlargements, and digital reproductions are permitted for research use only. Possession of an image from the Arlington Heights Historical Museum does not constitute permission to use it. An additional licensing fee will apply for all publication and commercial uses on top of the applicable reproduction fee.
All fees are collected by the Arlington Heights Historical Society, a not-for-profit organization.
Reproduction Fees
Reproduction fees are non-refundable and subject to change without notice. Please allow two weeks for your order to process. Prices do not include shipping.
- B&W Photocopy, 8.5×11 | $0.25
- B&W Photocopy, 8.5×14 | $0.50
- Digital Scan, 300dpi | $5.00
- Digital Scan, 600dpi | $10.00
- Digital Scan, Custom Resolution | $20.00
Image Use Policy and Fees
COPYRIGHT | The Arlington Heights Historical Museum does not necessarily own the copyright to all of the images in its collection. The researcher assumes the responsibility of infringement of copyright. The researcher is also responsible for any third-party rights that may be a part of the image or work.
CREDIT LINE | All images used must contain the credit line Courtesy of the Arlington Heights Historical Museum.
CATEGORIES OF USE | The Museum reserves the right to charge additional special fees depending upon the requested usage. Eligibility for a particular category of use will be determined by the Curator based upon the information provided on the Image Request Form.
PERSONAL USE | Material used for reference or research purposes or display in a private home. Subject to reproduction fee; no additional usage fee. See “Reproduction Fees” above.
EDUCATIONAL USE | Material used by a teacher in a classroom and/or used by students in an educational project. Fees may be discounted or waived. Contact the Curator with a description of the usage.
PERSONAL PUBLICATION USE | Material used in family histories and other projects created by an individual for limited publication (25 or fewer copies), or for electronic display on a personal or family-related website. Contact the Curator to find out if your use qualifies for this category. Per-image use fee: $15.00
NON-PROFIT USE | Material used in publication, display, broadcast, or in any other way by a non-profit organization. Proof of non-profit status required. For use in the United States only. Additional fees will apply for world rights. Additional fees will apply for print runs greater than 5,000.
- Book or periodical illustration and other published works | $25.00 per use
- CDs, DVDs, websites, and any other digital projects: $25.00 per use
- Office display: $50.00 per use
- Book Covers, CD or DVD Covers, and any other packaging or wrapping: $75.00 per use
- Photographic prints or digitized images for advertising, marketing, or promotional purposes: $100.00 per use
- Video, film or television: $75.00 per use
COMMERCIAL/FOR-PROFIT USE | Material that will be published, displayed, broadcasted, or in any other way used in a commercial environment. Includes display in sales or reception areas or in any public areas of offices or businesses. For use in the United States only. Additional fees will apply for world rights. Additional fees will apply for print runs greater than 5,000.
- Book or periodical illustration and other published work: $50.00 per use
- CDs, DVDs, and any other digital projects: $50.00 per use
- Restaurant, commercial, or office display: $100.00 per use
- Book Covers, CD or DVD Covers, and any other packaging or wrapping: $150.00 per use
- Photographic prints or digitized images for advertising, marketing, or promotional purposes: $200.00 per use
- Video, film or television: $150.00 per use
*One copy of all materials created using content from the Arlington Heights Historical Museum must be donated to the Museum.
The Center for Suburban History Research Library
The Center for Suburban History houses historic photographs, newspaper clippings, maps, city directories, and other documents and resources relating both to Arlington Heights as well as the region at large. Materials from the Museum’s archival and three-dimensional object collection may also be available to researchers by special appointment. The Museum reserves the right to decline special requests if such is necessary to protect the safety and preservation of delicate historic materials.
Please note: The Center for Suburban History is on the second floor of the Museum Center and is only accessible by stairs. If you are unable to climb the stairs, please contact the Curator ahead of your visit so that accommodations can be made to bring materials to you on the ground floor.
Researchers can contact the Museum at 847.255.1225 or call the Curator with your inquiry first and to set up an appointment for you. Walk-ins are available now on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2-4PM without an appointment. Access to the Local History Library is free. However, if you require Museum staff and/or volunteers to conduct research for you, the fee schedule below will apply.
We recommend that you bring a pencil and notepad, computer, and/or digital camera. The flash on the camera must be turned off when photographing historic items.
All fees are collected by the Arlington Heights Historical Society, a not-for-profit organization.
Research Fees
- First 30 Minutes | FREE
- Additional Time | $15/hour
Photocopies of Collection Material:
- Black and White Photocopies, 8.5×11 | $0.25
- Black and White Photocopies, 8.5×14 | $0.50
