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Buffalo Grove's Raupp Museum

A vision of three brothers brought the Raupp Museum to life. They decided to sell off a majority of the family farm to developers but saved a part for a special purpose.

The Raupp brothers presented the remaining land to the Village of Buffalo Grove with absolute instructions that a library or a museum must be built on the property. After some time, due to lack of funds, the village had not been able to make this happen. The Village decided that they should turn the project over to the fledgling park district, stipulating that the land be used as they had promised to the brothers. Finally, the dream became a reality and the Raupp Museum was created.

The farmhouse that had been on the land was the first to be converted into a part of the museum. Unfortunately, it burned down in a fire, but to turn around the misfortune, a building was brought onto the property. Another was built and thus began a journey that has now lasted twenty years.

Today, three exhibits make up an interesting historical spread. The main exhibit follows the story of Buffalo Grove starting with the Potowatomi in the 1830s, traveling through time into the agricultural period and progressing to the 20th century. After Native Americans left the area, a few European immigrants settled in. Among these first settlers were the Weidner, Henneman and Raupp families, who would become vital to the community’s formation.

At this time agricultural life was not easy, but proved successful. Fertile soil and abundant farm animals aided success. Dairy cows became a very popular and lucrative way to make a living. This provided income year-round, unlike crop farming, which was only profitable a few months out of the year. Buffalo Grove’s dairy prosperity earned them a stop for the milk train and recognition far beyond their borders.

Religious worship became possible with the founding of St. Mary’s Church in 1847; education was available through construction of a school. A tavern and a general store also popped up in Buffalo Grove. These establishments helped to develop the area further as these gathering places were vital to community functions. “The artifacts on display in the museum are items that have been donated by past and present residents of Buffalo Grove. Almost everything on display in the museum is original,” noted Museum Coordinator Debbie Fandrei.

The Town Square Gallery depicts the hustle and bustle of Buffalo Grove during the 1900s. Shopping at the Weidner General Store and congregating at the Firnback Tavern, residents and visitors enjoyed eventful and hardworking lives in this thriving community. The town square’s general store carries items that people of the time were buying, and the tavern illustrates how they were socializing. The functioning water-pump is a favorite to try out. The Lower Gallery is a revolving exhibit, changing at least three times per year according to Fandrei.

Many programs and events can be found at the Raupp Museum that encouraging learning. “The ideas about what to display come from everywhere—we listen to the questions that visitors ask, we watch what artifacts seem to attract the most attention, and we also try to choose things which tell an interesting story,” said Fandrei.

From January 21st to May 9th, 2008 “The Fabulous 1950s in Buffalo Grove” will showcase all things popular of this time and will also commemorate the village’s 50th anniversary of incorporation. Take a trip back to Buffalo Grove life in the 50s when the first color televisions were making an appearance and bomb shelters weren’t unheard of.

Kids will surely love all the hands-on educational programs the Raupp Museum has to offer, which encourage children to appreciate history and have fun learning. There’s an archeology program explaining what goes into an archaeological dig. “Cows are Cool” depicts dairy farm life. Kids can even milk a working, replica cow and taste the butter they churn. “Tiny Traders” teaches how farmers would sell, shop and barter.

“Potawatomi Pathways” is filled with artifacts, folktales and games. There are also a large number of programs for scouts, offering many opportunities to earn badges and learn while they are at it. “Children like the interactive parts of the exhibit—the water pump that really works, and the cow moos when you milk her! Adults seem to love the aerial map of Buffalo Grove in 1961 the best—probably because it makes it easy for them to compare the town of 47 years ago to the town of today.”

History is an important part of what makes up the fabric of a community, helping to weave the future. The Raupp Museum provides residents and visitors alike a place where they can learn more about the place they call home. “I think the museum plays an important role in allowing people to place themselves in the history of their community. When visitors—especially children—see that history is not something that happens only in textbooks or in a big museum in the city, they begin to understand their personal role in history, too. Hopefully, as they discover that they are part of history, they will also be inspired to create history as well.”