Historical Society of Oak Park and River Forest

Historical Society of Oak Park and River Forest Founded in 1968. Beginning in 1970 operated a Museum, Research Center, and Archives in Pleasant Home

The fascination with cars starts young! These two may be a few years away from having their driver's license, but they w...
06/01/2026

The fascination with cars starts young! These two may be a few years away from having their driver's license, but they were eager to get inside the vintage cars at our 2025 car show.

See more than 60 vintage cars this Saturday, June 6, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., as Oak Park River Forest Museum and the Oak Park Vintage Car Club present the fifth annual Vintage Car Show. Cars will line Lombard Avenue and South Boulevard around the museum. School of Rock Oak Park will perform and the museum will be open during the event. Admission is free for visitors and to enter your vintage vehicle. For information, visit oprfmuseum.org.

We'll see you Saturday!

We’re proud to be part of Explore Oak Park and Beyond—Chicago’s fun next door neighbors representing 20 near west commun...
06/01/2026

We’re proud to be part of Explore Oak Park and Beyond—Chicago’s fun next door neighbors representing 20 near west communities.

Here in Oak Park, we’re one of many local spots that make this region worth exploring. Follow to discover more local businesses, events, and things to do across all 20 communities due west of Chicago.

Stop by Oak Park River Forest Museum to learn more about Oak Park and River Forest and what makes these villages special. Whether you want to learn more about your organization, research your home’s history or just love history and want to explore, we’re your local destination.

Just a week away! Mark your calendar.
05/30/2026

Just a week away! Mark your calendar.

** FRIDAY FLASHBACK ** Who remembers how Oak Park looked before the Eisenhower Expressway was built? Here’s the Eisenhow...
05/29/2026

** FRIDAY FLASHBACK ** Who remembers how Oak Park looked before the Eisenhower Expressway was built? Here’s the Eisenhower under construction in June 1959.

Mark your calendars to commemorate Juneteenth with us on a free bicycle tour and learn about the contributions and influ...
05/27/2026

Mark your calendars to commemorate Juneteenth with us on a free bicycle tour and learn about the contributions and influence African Americans had on our two villages.

The tour begins at 6 p.m. on "Juneteenth Eve," Thursday, June 18, at OPRF Museum, the corner of Lake Street and Lombard, and will be led by our executive director, Frank Lipo. To RSVP, contact us on our website or email [email protected]. This also allows us to contact you in case we have to cancel due to inclement weather. Though we prefer to have an estimate of how many riders we’ll need to accommodate, we expect to be able to accept people who show up the day of the event.

Strap your helmet on, bike on over and don’t forget your water bottle.

Planning to hit the road this summer and explore Illinois? You can pick up a free Illinois America 250 Passport to Illin...
05/26/2026

Planning to hit the road this summer and explore Illinois? You can pick up a free Illinois America 250 Passport to Illinois at Oak Park River Forest Museum. This limited edition passport, offered by the Illinois America 250 Commission, was created to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

The sites included in the passport have been selected to uplift undertold stories, and highlight some of the diverse people and places that have contributed to making good on the ideals of the Declaration of Independence.

If you’re going to come out tomorrow to watch the River Forest Memorial Day Parade make it a point to stop by Memorial ...
05/25/2026

If you’re going to come out tomorrow to watch the River Forest Memorial Day Parade make it a point to stop by Memorial Hall at Roosevelt School before or after you grab your free hot dog. The parade steps off at 9:30 a.m. at Iowa and Ashland and makes its way to Keystone Park.

John Dzuryak, a member of the Historical Society of Oak Park and River Forest, worked with the school to open its doors on the holiday so residents can remember and learn about the 252 local WWI veterans.

Memorial Hall will be open from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Monday, May 25, to the public. Roosevelt Middle School is located at 7560 Oak Ave., River Forest.

It’s party season! Whether you’re having friends over for Memorial Day or celebrating your recent grad with a party, the...
05/24/2026

It’s party season! Whether you’re having friends over for Memorial Day or celebrating your recent grad with a party, the First Presbyterian Church cookbook of 1951 has you covered with a “Barbecue For 50” recipe using 15 pounds of ground beef, a half cup of lard and a cup of vinegar among the ingredients.

This is one of the many recipes we explored while putting together a display about cookbooks at OPRF Museum. Stoop by to see the display, along with vintage aprons and utensils, during regular hours, 1 to 5 p.m. Wednesdays to Saturdays.

** FRIDAY FLASHBACK ** OPRF High School students perform to a song from “Footloose” during their “Great Feets” dance in ...
05/22/2026

** FRIDAY FLASHBACK ** OPRF High School students perform to a song from “Footloose” during their “Great Feets” dance in May 1986 at the Illinois High School Dance Festival Student Showcase at West Leyden High School. Recognize any of these Orchesis dancers? According to the Wednesday Journal, the nine seniors who participated had danced together in Orchesis since freshman year.
OPRF
OPRFHS Alumni Association

Our next walking tour on Saturday, June 13, is a stroll through River Forest. Learn about the oldest commercial building...
05/21/2026

Our next walking tour on Saturday, June 13, is a stroll through River Forest. Learn about the oldest commercial building, the history of the train and its architecturally significant station, the “power couple” who helped bring the Columbian Exposition to Chicago, and much more as we take a sidewalk tour down the stretch of Keystone Avenue known as “The Street of Dreams.”

Tour starts at 10 a.m. and lasts about 90 minutes. Wear comfortable shoes and bring your own water if needed.

Tickets are $10 each or $8 for members. Spaces are limited, so order your tickets today https://oprfmuseum.org/store #!/Keystone-Avenue-Walking-Tour/p/226785258/category=26624115 or by phone at 708-848-6755.

Did you know group tours on other dates may be booked by special arrangement? Contact the Museum for more information.
Explore Oak Park and Beyond

Address

129 Lake Street
Oak Park, IL
60302

Opening Hours

Wednesday 1pm - 5pm
Thursday 1pm - 5pm
Friday 1pm - 5pm
Saturday 1pm - 5pm

Telephone

(708) 848-6755

Website

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