Events

Jewish people have been an integral part of Oak Park and River Forest since before the villages had their names. Learn about how these first Jewish pioneers of the Western Suburbs paved the way for an organized community that established itself in Oak Park in the early decades of the 20th century among ‘the Village of Churches.’ Beginning in the 1930s, these Jews faced community antisemitism and

Oak Park River Forest Museum is teaming up with Explore Oak Park and Beyond to offer two local bus tours this fall. On Friday, November 14, we will feature stops in front of the homes and sites associated with some of our Hometown Legends. Think of it as the Oak Park-River Forest version of a Hollywood homes tour. See where Dan Castellaneta, the voice of Homer Simpson, grew up and where Ray Kroc

Oak Park River Forest Museum is teaming up with Explore Oak Park and Beyond to present the Black History Bus Tour, starting from OPRF Museum at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, November 19. The route will pass by significant locations in Oak Park, River Forest, and Maywood including the sites of Mt. Carmel Baptist Church, Dr. Percy Julian's homes in Maywood and Oak Park, and the home of the Jefferson family

History lovers and readers unite for the History Book Club. Please check back to find out which book we will discuss for this month and 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 your membership status, please email oprfhistorymatters@sbcglobal.net

OPRF Museum will be open free for special hours on Small Business Saturday to kick off the holiday season. The Open House will include holiday-themed games and activities for all ages, seasonal refreshments, decorations including our Stars of OP and RF Christmas Tree, and the chance to see our exhibits and participate in our Hometown Legends LEGO Hunt. And all items in our gift shop will be 10%

Join us for a sweet visit from John McConachie, grandson of James Dewar who invented the Twinkie snack cake in 1931 at the Continental Baking Company in River Forest. McConachie will be sharing stories from his family and his new book “Pops, Mr. Twinkie: Memoirs of My Mentor.” Books will be available for sale and signing by the author. We’ll also serve light refreshments including, you guessed it