Featured Exhibits at the Historical Society of Oak Park and River Forest

FEATURED
EXHIBITS

Celebrated Citizens

Nearly a century ago, Philander Barclay loved traveling around Oak Park on his bicycle, taking photos of the places and people that were part of his world. We at the Historical Society of Oak Park and River Forest are the caretakers of his priceless photographs, many of which grace the walls of local businesses.

Of course, we have much more than his photos and vintage bike in our collection. See our extensive photo collection of 15 of the 17 "movie Tarzans". The creator of the Tarzan character, Edgar Rice Burroughs, wrote many of the novels while living in Oak Park. We have extensive Hemingway memorabilia - for Mrs. Hemingway and her son Ernest. Discover the inspiring stories of the dancer Doris Humphrey, and of Anna Julian, her accomplishments equally celebrated along with those of her husband Percy Julian.

Barclay's Bike

Making Yesterday Come Alive Today

Oak Park Concert Band - circa 1890

Our collections record for future generations the unique attributes that have kept our community vibrant since pioneer days. Our goal is making yesterday come alive today with a lively mix of exhibits, activities, and special events. Whether you are a life-long resident, a newcomer, visitor to our villages or a homesick expatriate, we can help you learn more about the fascinating history of the people and organizations that make our community unique.

We also offer a unique service -- all of our extensive archives of Black & White photographs by Philander Barclay from the turn of the century -- like those on these pages and seen in stores throughout the Villages -- are available for making high quality reproductions for your personal or business use. Check out our Online Archives for a sampling of these wonderful records of our shared heritage.

Museum Exhibits & Special Collections

Our museum is the site of regular exhibits on timely local and national topics. In our featured room on the screen above, Women at Work, there are wonderful displays about some of the outstanding women that grace Oak Park's history. Past exhibits have included a look at the 80th anniversary of the Girl Scouts, a photo exhibit of "lost homes," and a look at graduation traditions at our OPRF High School.

Other recent exhibits have included a look at The Women who Shaped Oak Park and River Forest; the Community Chest of OPRF at 60; the 75th Anniversary of the Oak Park Art League; and a special exhibition on WPA Art and Oak Park During the Depression.

The multitude of artifacts and photos at the Gale Research Center chronicle life in our villages from the turn-of-the-century to more recent times. We also have a large number of period costumes donated to us through the years -- your donations are always accepted to broaden our collection!