Sock Monkeys are counted by Guinness World Records representatives Chloe McCarthy, left, and Hannah Ortman at the Sock Monkey Museum in Long Grove on Thursday. The museum officially set the world ...

The Sock Monkey Museum, a champion caretaker of the tradition, officially opened in 2022, and their interactive playscape connects people with America’s rich heritage that began in Illinois.

The collection continues to expand, as more Sock Monkeys find their way to the Museum. For the last 16 years, Sock Monkey has been fortunate to discover over 2,000 relatives.

OSAGE — The old-fashioned, handcrafted sock monkey dolls made with the original Rockford Red Heel socks from Fox River Mills have become a favorite piece of “Americana” over the years.