We are very proud to announce the Barbara L. Benson Barrington Area History Series: The World of Barrington’s White House.
Barbara is one of Barrington’s foremost authorities on our town’s founders and early history. Embellishing her lecture with photos, newspaper articles, calendar images and first-hand accounts through the Octagon House letters, Barbara provides us with an intimate look at the history of the Robertson family and the White House itself. Refreshments will be served. This is a free event with a $10 suggested donation.

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Barbara L. Benson was director of the Barrington Area Historical Society for 10 years, and a trustee.  In 1985 she organized community support for a Historical/Architectural Survey that was the basis for the nomination of older Village neighborhoods to the National Registry of Historic Places.  She has written extensively about Barrington area history including a History of the United States Post Office in the Barrington Area commissioned by the Rotary Club of Barrington to commemorate the opening of the Grove Avenue Post Office in 1988.  In 2003, the Barrington Area Development Council published her book, They Builded Better Than They Knew: Historical Perspectives of the Barrington Area.  Benson currently writes the “Barrington North Column” for the Barrington Courier-Review and the “Cuba Heritage” for the Cuba Township Newsletter.  She also is writing Quintessential Barrington’s back page essay on area history.  Benson authored the “Building Barrington” chapter.

Barrington’s White House is a unique, historic venue located in the heart of downtown Barrington at 145 West Main Street. This meticulously restored 1898 mansion hosts cultural and community events, and is also available for rental for weddings, corporate meetings, non-profit fundraisers and family celebrations. Visit the web site or call 224-512-4292 for your private tour.