MEMBERSHIP

Events & Exhibits

Aug
1

Hidden Treasures through Oct 2012

In 1869, the year Highland Park, Illinois received its charter, local resident William Clavey et al provided a loan to another resident, William Barker (or Baker). He offered two cows as collateral. These and other long-hidden documents have been preserved and made available through a grant from the National Historical Publications and Records Commission and part of ongoing Hidden Treasures Exhibit.
Dec
5

Chicago’s Second Greatest Fire: Union Stock Yards Fire of 1934

With less than four inches of rain having fallen since the first of the year, and temperatures hitting 92 degrees on May 19, 1934, Chicago was vulnerable. It took only a carelessly tossed cigarette in the Union Stock Yards that Saturday afternoon to set off the most destructive blaze since the Great Fire of 1871.
Mar
11

A Chance Encounter with Adolf Hitler’s Interpreter

With the demise of many of those who were in military service during World War II, the Highland Park Historical Society has been encouraging area residents who took part in that cataclysmic conflict to speak out about their experiences. While Jeff Stern was too young to have served during the war, in a talk hosted by the Historical Society at the Highland Park Public Library, he tells about his encounter with a man who translated the dictates of the war's most infamous instigator when he talked to foreign leaders.