Bartlett Depot Museum
Mission Statement

The Bartlett Depot Museum interprets and shares the legacy of the community's railroading heritage with the public through exhibitions, education and media to increase awareness and knowledge of the past, present and future significance of the railroad industry in Bartlett.

100 W. Railroad Ave.
Bartlett, Il. 60103
Admission: Free
Accessible
Pam Rohleder, Director

Operating Hours
Tuesday, noon to 5 p.m.
Thursday, noon to 5 p.m.
1st & 3rd Saturday of month
9 a.m. to noon
630-837-0800

Closed for Annual Maintenance

The Bartlett Depot Museum will be closed for annual maintenance from December 8, 2019 to January 31, 2020. Mark your calendar for Saturday, 2/1 and join museum staff when it reopens with the monthly First Saturday Free Family Craft and new exhibits.

Current Exhibits

New exhibits coming early next year, 2020!

All Aboard: Operation Station Restoration

August 30, 2010- Workers hang a replica of the original "Bartlett." depot exterior sign.  Work was completed just in time for the September 12 dedication festivities.

When the Bartlett Depot Museum opened its doors on September 12, 2010, the Village's original depot was back in service, but in a whole new way.

New windows and doors, that replicate the originals, have been installed and new wood siding has added a fresh face to the exterior. The interior of the depot was gutted, since the original finishes had all been removed during the past 137 years. And the new foundational finally gives the depot a firm footing on which to rest.

Some interesting facts and discoveries were made during the renovation. The first discovery was the original ticket window and its first location in the depot. It was found intact between the walls and is now situated in its old spot for everyone to see. In addition, after scraping, the original colors of the depot were discovered to be taupe gray with dark brown trim. Voila, the old colors are new again!

The freshly restored Bartlett Depot Museum will highlight the area's transportation heritage with permanent and changing exhibits.

Restoration began with the removal of non-original interior surfaces. The original ticket window was discovered between the walls. Image-December 8, 2010.

The depot was built directly on the dirt in 1873 with no proper foundation. In order to pour a cement foundation the depot needed to be temporarily moved to accomplish this job. Images- January 6, 2010, preparing the depot for the move about a 100 feet to the west.

A bobcat and heavy duty chain was used to very slowly pull the depot from its footings inches at a time. The move took a few hours to complete. The day before the depot was raised up from the ground a few inches at a time using hydraulic jacks. Image-January 12, 2010

The successful move was completed by midday. In the foreground is the original footprint of the depot. Image-January 12, 2010