Barrington’s White House began with a vision. To turn our historical and cornerstone mansion on Main Street into the heart of our town. A cultural center for concerts, performances, lectures and art exhibits. A gathering place for the community. A meeting place for corporations, non-profits and community organizations. A warm and welcoming home for hosting life’s most special celebrations.
With the support of our community, Barrington’s White House has become one of the most unique historic event venues in Chicagoland. Elegant. Enchanting. Extraordinary. Come see it for yourself! Attend an upcoming performance or party, or take a tour to plan your own event. Its magic awaits you.
A Rich History
THE CENTER OF OUR COMMUNITY
Since opening doors, Barrington’s White House Cultural and Community Center has become the vibrant center of our Village. Its success is truly a group effort, with the combined efforts of community members and the Village of Barrington that owns and operates the mansion.
Learn more about our unique public-private partnership and how we are overseeing the operations, finances, fundraising and long-term care of the facility through our volunteer governing boards: The Barrington White House Advisory Board and The Friends of Barrington’s White House Board of Directors.
There are many ways to be involved in and support this community asset. Attend some of our many entertaining and educational events. Get involved as a volunteer to staff events or offer historical tours. Or make a donation – there are many ways to give. We welcome your help! Through your support, you’ll help ensure that Barrington’s White House will remain a vibrant asset for Barrington-area residents now and for the next generation.
John and Julia Robertson Jr. built their new home on Main Street in 1898, forty-three years following the platting of Barrington Village in 1855. Inspired by the architecture of the 1893 Columbian Exposition, this Classical Revival home displays fluted Corinthian columns on the porch and gorgeous oak windows, trim, wainscoting and pocket doors inside. It featured all of the conveniences of the day—electricity, central heating and city water.
The couple was active socially, known as gracious hosts and leaders in the community. The Robertsons lived in their grand house until Julia’s passing in 1917 and John Jr. in 1918.
Following this, the home served as a make-shift hospital for the WWI Flu Pandemic, single family home, nursing home, and divided office space until the Village of Barrington purchased the property in 2007.John and Julia Robertson Jr. built their new home on Main Street in 1898, forty-three years following the platting of Barrington Village in 1855. This grand residence, an architecturally significant structure, featured all of the conveniences of the day—electricity, central heating and city water.
The mansion received a painstaking, museum-quality restoration to return it to its former splendor. Barrington’s White House was accepted on the National Register of Historic Places and has received numerous awards. It won the American Public Works Association (APWA) Lake Branch and Chicago Metro Chapter award for Historic Preservation. It also received the Donald P. Klein Award from the Barrington Area Council of Governments (BACOG) for its meticulous restoration and repurpose of the architecturally significant house as a self-sustaining, cultural resource for the community. Click here to read a historical overview of Barrington’s White House.
Throughout the year our historical docents host many free community events, including 4th of July and Holiday Open Houses, and our 3rd Thursday artist receptions. The docents can offer colorful details about the historical mansion from its beginning in 1898, as well as information on the reconstruction and renovation.