The Historical Society of Brooklyn, Illinois (HSOBI) focuses on collecting, preserving, and presenting the historical record and cultural heritage of the first inhabitants, founding families, and early settlers of Brooklyn, Illinois. Interpretive exhibits and other historical treasures help promote awareness of Brooklyn and encourage interest in the village's history.

HSOBI was incorporated July 23, 2007. Prior to its formation, Elders George McShan, Magnolia Johnson, Joe Henry, Robert Smoots, Juanita Clemons, Nathaniel O'Bannon II, and Robert Dale Sr. had amassed a collection of photos and newspaper articles chronicling the history of Brooklyn and its citizens. Elders Prince Wells, Henry Ross Carmelita and Willie Gower have patiently recounted life in Brooklyn during the early 1930s through 1960s, providing the foundation on which HSOBI was formed.

The Elders of Brooklyn, Illinois, have preserved the town's history and cultural heritage through oral tradition that has been handed to each succeeding generation. Until recently, it was thought that all written records had been lost. Then an elder remembered that his
deceased sister had entrusted him with two books that she had found in an old house before its demolition. These books contain handwritten records of the village's history from 1891 through 1893.

We must preserve our past with a vision to secure our future.