Mission Statement:
The Bartlett History Museum collects, preserves and interprets Bartlett's rich heritage and shares it with the community through exhibitions, education and media in order to increase public awareness, knowledge, and appreciation.
History:
On December 23, 2005, the Bartlett History Museum relocated into the newly constructed Bartlett Village Hall.
The museum The now has a one-third larger exhibit area, use of a multipurpose room, and much needed archival storage space for the collection. This is the fifth home for Bartlett's wonderful history.
The museum took root in 1973, when, spurred by the nation's forthcoming bicentennial celebration, local residents formed the Bartlett Historical Society. The society's goal was to collect historical artifacts, literature and photos to highlight Bartlett and United States history. The society supported its operations through membership dues and fundraisers.
The Village of Bartlett trustees approved a resolution on March 6, 1973, that stated the Village's support and encouragement for the Bartlett Historical Society. Through the years the Village helped the society by providing two different homes, owned by the Village, for use as museum space.
Initially, the artifacts collected by the society were displayed in a small showcase in the Bartlett Village Hall; but the dream of a permanent home for the beginning collection became a reality ten years later. In 1983, the society leased an old house on South Oak Street from the Village. The house was converted into a small museum that was open a few hours each Sunday afternoon.
