MEMBERSHIP

Events & Exhibits

Apr
17

Show and Tell: What’s In Your Collection?

Like the "Show and Tell" of our old school days, the Highland Park Historical Society invites you on Monday April 17th at 7 PM to see treasured items or collections from local residents. If not showing and telling, just join us to hear the collectors’ stories. This year’s show and tell will include an artifacts from the Historical Society’s trove of local treasurers. Meet a guy whose other car is a fire truck! Highland Park Library Librarian and local historian Julia Johnas will highlight books with no words, any ideas?
Mar
27

Muirhead Farmhouse: A Frank Lloyd Wright Designed Home

The Muirhead family was among the first settlers in Kane County, establishing their farmstead on its current site in 1860. By the late 1940s, then owners Robert and Elizabeth Muirhead felt they had outgrown the original farmhouse and wanted something better suited for their growing family of five children. The result was a Usonian-style home designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.
Dec
7

75th Anniversary of Pearl Harbor Day: Second Annual Veterans Roundtable

The Second Annual Veterans Forum at which we will focus on honoring World War II veterans. American Legion Post 145 Commander Larry Sassorossi will moderate a panel of veterans who will recall where they were when they learned of Pearl Harbor, their reaction, their contribution to the war effort, and in what way did their service benefit them. Participants are encouraged to bring memorabilia to share.
Nov
3

American Pie, a history

Pies are as American as pizza is American: we took a great idea, adapted it to our needs and ran with it. They used what they had available locally and made the most from it. In the Northeast and Midwest, it was apples; in the South it was molasses pies, in Florida the Key Lime Pie and from the Southwest came nut pies. Apple pies were not always dessert, our American ancestors considered them survival food often eating pie for breakfast, lunch and dinner for six month stretches.
Oct
8

Basic Compass Skills: Two classes 10 am & 11 am

Discover the lost art of using a compass! Participants will learn why compass skills are important, even in this age of GPS technology, and how to use a basic compass to navigate. This class is filled with demonstrations, hands-on practice, and helpful tips and tricks for successful navigation. Leah Holloway, Park District of Highland Park, presents the class. Compasses will be available during the class. For ages 7 and older. Registration required. Two sessions: 10:00 am and 11:00 am.
Oct
8

How I Use DNA for Genealogy Research

Learn about the “why” and “how” of DNA testing for ethnicity and genealogy. Professional genealogist Caron Brennan provides case studies and examples for incorporating DNA results into family history research.
Sep
1

The Great Highland Park History Hunt

Seek geocache locations connected to Highland Park history. We’ll provide clues for 9 locations that you can search using the Illinois Digital Archives. Your search results will display the digital image and its description. Look for the geocache coordinates in the ​geographical field of the description. Enter the coordinates into your GPS device and discover the cache! Each cache will contain tokens (wooden nickels). Take one and collect all 9 by October 8. Find all 10 locations and you’ll qualify to enter the grand prize drawings!
Jun
21

“Visions of Highland Park Past & Present” Exhibition

This June art, photography and memorabilia will be displayed throughout Highland Park’s historical City Hall. The artwork will depict our community’s unique past and present. Artwork from the 19th and 20th Century on loan from The Highland Park Historical Society archives, will be exhibited with juried artwork from present day North Shore artists’, visions of Highland Park. This exhibit honors the important milestone of The Highland Park Historical Society’s 50th Anniversary.
May
17

The Ripple Effect: Caring for our Ravines

The north shore ravines are a defining feature of Highland Park. How did they come to be that way? Rebecca Grill, Natural Areas Manager for the Park District of Highland Park will explore the natural history of the ravines, human connections and look ahead to their future health.
Apr
14

Causes and Costs of Corruption

Highland Park Historical Society will host on Thursday April 14th at 7:00 PM ‘Causes and Costs of Corruption,’ presented by Juliet Sorensen.