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July 2019
Edgewater Historical Society Explores How Luxembourgers Shaped Chicago
If you aren't taking our Gangsters of West Ridge Tour on July 13, stop by the Edgewater Branch Library to hear the story of how immigrants from one of the smallest countries in Europe shaped the early history of Chicago's Far North Side. Kevin Wester, retired Executive Director of the Luxembourger American Cultural Society will give a wide-ranging overview of how this small group brought their farming skills to our city, creating a network of farms and greenhouses that arced…
Find out more »August 2019
Living History Program: Artists of the Wall
Artists of the Wall has been an important part of Rogers Park for a quarter of a century. Learn the story behind this enduring Loyola Park Advisory Council project that adds art to our lake shore and involves hundreds of local residents and artists from around the city. Mary Bao, long-time RPWRHS member and one of the founders of the event, will talk about how the festival began, how it has evolved over more than two decades, and plans for where it's going in the future.
Find out more »September 2019
33rd Annual House Walk: Exploring Jarvis Four-Squares
Around the turn of the 20th Century, the new residential development called Birchwood Beach attracted prosperous Chicago residents with its clean air, proximity to Lake Michigan and easy access to downtown Chicago via a train station near what is now the Red Line stop at Jarvis Square. On open lands once covered by a thick birch forest, the founders of Rogers Park built spacious homes in the style known as the American Four-Square. Join us for a self-guided tour of…
Find out more »October 2019
Living History Program: The Stories Behind the “Made In Chicago” Exhibition
Part of Andrew Clayman’s collection of vintage Chicago-made products has been on display at our office, but Andrew himself will be our Living History Speaker on October 17 at the Northtown Branch Library, 6801 N. Western Ave, when he will discuss the collection with a special emphasis on the sometimes-overlooked manufacturing legacy of the North Side. Our hands-on exhibit of products manufactured in 20th Century Chicago is on view any Wednesday or Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m at…
Find out more »November 2019
One Juror’s Ordeal: The Chicago Seven Conspiracy Trial
Fifty years ago, on Sept 24, 1969, the Chicago Conspiracy Trial opened to decide the fate of eight protesters arrested during the 1968 Democratic Convention. The trial was a political, legal and historical landmark that lasted for almost five months, becoming known as the Chicago Seven trial when one defendant, Bobby Seale, accused Judge Julius Hoffman of racism and demanded a separate trial. Jean Fritz was a juror who kept a journal during five long months of sequestration, recording her…
Find out more »Digital Detectives: The Great Chicago House Hunt is Back
Join the Ranks of Our Digital History Detectives. Over the years, we’ve accumulated many photographs of homes, commercial buildings and other places in the neighborhood with limited information as to their location, date or subject matter. We’re filling in the details for as many as we can, and you can help. Join Rob Case, our Ace Photo Archivist, for a Great Chicago House Hunt session, where he’ll show you how to use digital resources like Google Streetview, old phone books…
Find out more »December 2019
Great Chicago House Hunt: One More Time
Join Rob Case, our Ace Photo Archivist, for the last Great Chicago House Hunt session of the year, where he’ll show you how to use digital resources like Google Streetview, old phone books and other internet resources to search for clues in unidentified photos. No experience necessary, but it helps if you’re comfortable with using Google for searches and have basic internet skills.
Find out more »March 2020
2020 Annual Member Meeting: Ultra Local Geography, from Preservationist Larry Shure
Larry Shure is a preservation planner who has lived in Rogers Park for 20 years. Since 2006 he has shared his neighborhood observations, sketches, diagrams and maps on his blog, Ultra Local Geography, with a unique artistic flair. His Illustrated presentation, Historic Architecture and Development in Rogers Park/West Ridge: Selected Entries from the Ultra Local Geography Blog will highlight some of Larry's favorite sketches and stories about Rogers Park and West Ridge, an ultra-interesting peek at our ultra-local community. The…
Find out more »We’re Social Distancing For Now . . .
We'll announce new events when we can. Until then, we hope members, supporters and friends care for themselves and others by staying at home.
Find out more »April 2020
Tell Us Your Pandemic Story
A century ago, the Spanish Flu raged across the world, but we know very little about how it affected the people of Rogers Park and West Ridge. Today, the Covid-19 Pandemic is changing life as we know it, and we want to collect and preserve the experiences we're all going through. Sending your story is as simple as sending an email. Click here for details.
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