The Society has amassed an extensive collection of photographs, papers, and objects that portray the history of Rogers Park and West Ridge.
Photographs: We have more than 13,000 images digitized and cataloged in our collections database. Included are many class photos from local elementary and high schools, as well as photos of prominent neighborhood residents, scenes from daily life, documentation of special events and numerous photos of local streets, homes and businesses from the 1880s to the present. A significant portion of the most recent part of the collection is the work of respected local photographer Marty Schmidt, documenting neighborhood life in the last quarter of the Twentieth Century.
Most of these images are available for browsing at Browse Our Photo Collection
Papers: We have a sorted and cataloged collection of important papers and historical records of prominent Rogers Park and West Ridge individuals, families, businesses and many of the cultural and community organizations of our neighborhood, as well as memorial-occasion publications from local churches, schools and other groups. The collection includes materials from 1845-2021 and extends over 135 linear feet in 166 boxes, 40 oversized folders, 2 maps, and 1 volume.
These materials are available for public use as part of the Northside Neighborhood History Collection held at the Sulzer Regional branch of the Chicago Public Library. They may be accessed during regular NNHC collection hours or by appointment. Access a complete guide to the document archive here.
We also have a limited selection of business and telephone directories, a collection of yearbooks from many local schools and colleges, a full set of guidebooks from th3 37 years of our annual Historic House Walk and a variety of books on Chicago history available for use in the library at our office.
Objects: We have a sorted but uncataloged collection of objects representing local businesses, community organizations, schools, churches, and everyday life in Rogers Park/West Ridge. From time to time, selections from this collection are displayed at our office, 7363 North Greenview Avenue.
