The Historical Society
of Oak Park and River Forest
Our online exhibit The Philander Barclay Photos
Village Histories
News
We are delighted to share some exciting news - In April, the board of directors of the Historical Society unanimously approved a lease agreement with the Village of Oak Park that authorizes the creation of a Museum and History Center in the oldest public building in the village, the 1898 former firehouse at the corner of Lake & Lombard.
We have already begun planning the restoration project to refurbish the exterior and create an indoor space that will showcase the rich history of our villages. We are working with local architects to finalize the plan, which will be completed without any local tax dollars.
While we are anxious to move ahead, we will be taking advantage of a two-year planning window, so don't expect moving vans at Pleasant Home just yet. We will be working hard to involve the community in this venture; if you would like to get involved, please email oprfhistorymatters@sbcglobal.net or call (708) 848-6755. Watch out for more details here as they become available.
Upcoming Programs and Events
Pride & Passion: The African-American Baseball Experience - May 13 - July 3, 2009 at Oak Park Public Library
This national traveling exhibit chronicles the remarkable history of baseball's Negro leagues and the challenges and successes of the African-American baseball players. The exhibit is free and will be in the lobby of the Main Library during regular hours. Please visit www.oppl.org/baseball for a complete list of events and programs.
Hat Auction in Memory of Faye Devine - June 20, 2009
Celebrate the life of Faye Devine, former Historical Society president and active community leader, at a Benefit Tea, Sale, and Auction. Proceeds from the auction will benefit The Nineteenth Century Club and The Historical Society. The event will be held at The Nineteenth Century Club, 178 Forest Avenue, Oak Park, and will feature hats, shoes, and personal items from the estate of Mrs. Devine. Doors open at 2:00 p.m. for sale and silent auction, tea at 3:00 and live auction at 3:30 conducted by Jim Bohenstengel of Galerie St. James. $10.00 at the door.
The Historical Society Annual Meeting - June 30, 2009, 7:00 p.m. at Stevenson Recreation Center
Find out what's been happening at the Historical Society this past year. And join us for a sneak preview of our new home at the Cicero Firehouse # 2 at Lake and Lombard, right next door.
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The Historical Society of Oak Park and River Forest was organized in 1968 to operate a Museum, Archives, and Research Center on behalf of the sister villages of Oak Park and River Forest, Ill. Located on the second floor of the National Historic Landmark Pleasant Home since 1970, the organization is a 501(c) 3 not-for-profit which serves the community by preserving and making accessible artifacts, photographs, documents, and other material that tell stories about the rich heritage of our community.
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The Historical Society of Oak Park and River Forest, Copyright © 2005 All Rights Reserved.