The Village of Skokie has a rich cultural heritage. The first settlers were immigrants, primarily from Germany and Luxembourg, seeking a prime area to relocate their families. When originally incorporated in 1888, the Village was known as Niles Centre. Historians estimate that around 1910 the spelling was changed to Niles Center. By the late 1930s, a campaign began to change the community's name, primarily due to confusion caused by the neighboring Village of Niles and the fact that both towns are within Niles Township. After a town-wide referendum to authorize the name change and several years' debate over a new name, the community became the Village of Skokie on November 15, 1940. Since then, the Village has enjoyed tremendous population, cultural and commercial growth. The Village's rich cultural heritage continues to grow as members of many ethnic and cultural backgrounds choose to call Skokie home. Each year, in May, the Skokie Festival of Cultures celebrates the heritage of the residents of Skokie. Flags from participating Festival of Culture's members are on display throughout the year at the Skokie Northshore Sculpture Park.

If you would like more information pertaining to the history of Skokie please click the following link: www.skokienet.org/centenn