The Grove National Historic Landmark

The Grove National Historic Landmark

By 1973, the land and remaining buildings were slated to become a large development of high-density residential units. To prevent this, a group of dedicated individuals, formed the “Save The Grove” Committee to ensure the historical significance of the land was not forgotten. Affectionately known as the “Frog and Fern Ladies,” the Committee played a vital role in preserving the remaining 81 acre historic site including the Kennicott homestead and Redfield Estate. In 1973, Kennicott’s Grove (The Grove) was designated a National Historic Landmark by the U.S. Department of the Interior. It is on the National Registry of Historic Places and is a partner of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Chicago Wilderness.

Those dedicated to preserving The Grove united in 1976 as The Grove Heritage Association, Inc. (GHA). Since then, GHA has donated thousands of volunteer hours and raised hundreds of thousands of dollars to benefit The Grove and its expansion.

The site was ultimately acquired by the Glenview Park District. In 1995, an additional 41 available acres at The Grove was acquired through a combined land donation from the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation and land purchase supported in part by a grant from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and a $400,000 donation commitment from the Grove Heritage Association.

Today, The Grove is 152 acres of ecologically diverse prairie grove land preserved and maintained by the Glenview Park District…a unique outdoor history and nature museum. A visit to the Grove offers visitors the ability to walk trails through mature oak forests past wetland pools, stop to watch animals native to the area, and learn of the historical significance of the area.

In addition, The Grove is the home for several historic structures, including the Kennicott House (which is open to the public), the Redfield Estate (open during special events and available for rental to the public) and the Archives Building, which houses The Grove’s vast collection of original Kennicott family papers and artifacts (open to the public on weekends, during special events and by appointment).

Populations served annually, include: over 200,000 public visitors; 934 school groups; 3 summer camps; special groups such as scouts, church groups, environmentalists, museum directors and staffs, and high school and college classes.