Events

Take a stroll with us through scenic, historic River Forest on West Side Stories: People and Architecture That Shaped River Forest! This walk up Edgewood Place and then south on Thatcher Avenue will demonstrate why these two streets are a living outdoor museum of architecture and village history. Hear fascinating and surprising stories about people who lived here, some of the renowned architects

Our new walking tour this summer will highlight interesting sites in the Harrison Arts District. The walk begins at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 25, in Columbus Park, technically in Chicago, but considered an amenity for residents on the large apartment buildings on Harrison Street and Austin Boulevard. The tour then continues west on Harrison. Our guides will explain how Harrison Street has changed

Calling all readers and lovers of history for the History Book Club. This month, the group will discuss "We the Women" by Norah O'Donnell. If you have a suggestion for a future book club discussion, please leave your suggestions in our Contact Form. Book Club is open to all current members of The Historical Society of Oak Park and River Forest. Space may be limited. To reserve your place or check

Take a walk through time as we explore the historic area bordered by Lake Street, East Avenue, North Boulevard and Oak Park Avenue. You'll hear the fascinating stories behind familiar landmarks like the Scoville Block anchor buildings and the high school stadium. You’ll also learn about some of Oak Park’s long-lost buildings including a central heating plant that served over 600 homes, a military

Join us for a special evening edition of our highly popular "Growing with the Gundersons" Walking Tour! Our stroll through southeast Oak Park's Gunderson Historic District will, of course, tell the story of how the Gunderson Brothers developed and promoted this neighborhood, but it will also include lesser-known stories, like the house once named the Oak Park Academy of Fine Arts, the

Tickets are $10 each (or $8 for members). Purchase tickets on our website or by calling 708-848-6755.

Calling all readers and lovers of history for the History Book Club. Check back soon for information about the book selection for August. If you have a suggestion for a future book club discussion, please leave your suggestions in our Contact Form. Book Club is open to all current members of The Historical Society of Oak Park and River Forest. Space may be limited. To reserve your place or check

Greater Downtown Oak Park boasts an array of marvelous examples of Art Deco design that are often overlooked. Join our guides on a walk down Lake Street as they point out many of these treasures that we walk past every day without noticing. The tour will start at 10 a.m. in the lobby of the Medical Arts Building, proceed along Lake Street toward Harlem Avenue, and then loop back toward the

Calling all readers and lovers of history for the History Book Club. Check back soon for information on the book selection for September. If you have a suggestion for a future book club discussion, please leave your suggestions in our Contact Form. Book Club is open to all current members of The Historical Society of Oak Park and River Forest. Space may be limited. To reserve your place or check

Please join us at Oak Park River Forest Museum on Tuesday, October 6, 2026 at 7 pm for a program by Dr. Elena Gonzales, Chicago History Museum's Curator of Civic Engagement and Social Justice. Dr. Gonzales will discuss her work on Aquí en Chicago, an exhibit at the Chicago History Museum open until November 8, 2026, and other highlights from her career as a museum professional. When students from