OPRF Museum

Celebrating the history of Oak Park and River Forest, Illinois through a Museum, Research Center, and a wide range of Public Programs in the community.

[OPRF Museum @oprfhistory]

This Storybook gem is one of 6 fantastic private homes in Oak Park open this Sunday May 7 for 4 hours only for interior tours as part of the annual benefit Spring House Walk for OPRF Museum. More photos, details and tickets at https://t.co/qc4Mhd6Hlw

[OPRF Museum @oprfhistory]

Today on "Giving Tuesday" consider a gift to support the operations of OPRF Museum. Visit https://t.co/qc4Mhd6Hlw to make a gift. Every penny counts!
The photo below shows a rocket-shaped bank from River Forest State Bank, donated to the Historical Society OPRF by Joe May.

[OPRF Museum @oprfhistory]

This Sunday Oct. 16 at noon history comes alive at Forest Home Cemetery during the 31st annual Tale of the Tombstones guided walking tour featuring dramatic performances. Details and tickets at https://t.co/qc4Mhd6Hlw

[OPRF Museum @oprfhistory]

Did you ever wonder what it would be like to be a professional musician at the Chicago Symphony Orchestra? Meet two Oak Parkers who will share their experience in a free chat at 7 p.m. tonight at OPRF Museum. Details at https://t.co/qc4Mhd6Hlw

[OPRF Museum @oprfhistory]

Spend a rainy Sunday afternoon at OPRF Museum when Bucky Halker presents "The Great American Labor Song" at 3 p.m. Hear his live performance and learn about folk music that grew out of the American labor movement. Buy tickets at door after 2:30 at 129 Lake Street in Oak Park.

[OPRF Museum @oprfhistory]

Live music shares the stage with history at 3 p.m. on Sunday September 11 when songwriter and historian Bucky Halker performs at OPRF Museum to honor the contributions of workers to American society. Tickets at https://t.co/qc4Mhd69vY

[OPRF Museum @oprfhistory]

On the cusp of Labor Day weekend, make plans to experience the music and stories of singer-songwriter Clark “Bucky” Halker on Sept. 11 at 3 p.m. at OPRF Museum. The folk singer celebrates the Labor Movement. More information and tickets at https://t.co/qc4Mhd69vY

[OPRF Museum @oprfhistory]

On International Dog Day, enjoy this 1922 photo of Tommy, Topsy, and Franklin Lounsbury as we tap into our local history photo collection that includes a few of the good dogs of history. Check out https://t.co/qc4Mhd6Hlw for more historic photos.

[OPRF Museum @oprfhistory]

A researcher from Florida came to OPRF Museum this week to learn about suffrage leader Grace Wilbur Trout, the Oak Parker who led the fight in Illinois for voting rights. Today on Women's Equality Day learn about Trout and other remarkable women at https://t.co/qc4Mhd6Hlw.

[OPRF Museum @oprfhistory]

Stroll down "The Street of Dreams" this Saturday afternoon to learn about the rich history of the Keystone Avenue neighborhood in central River Forest. Information and tickets for this guided walking tour at https://t.co/qc4Mhd6Hlw

[Wonder Works @WonderWorksOP]

For over 1,000 years, long before the first real airplane, people made folded gliders. On 8/27, at 1 or 3PM, make your own paper airplanes and learn facts about the History of Play at the event Wonder Works is hosting in partnership with @oprfhistory . https://t.co/PoE2mXH3Rk

[OPRF Museum @oprfhistory]

Join us tomorrow, Aug. 25, when OPRF Museum Operations Manager Rachel Berlinski will offer a Zoom-based guided tour of https://t.co/qc4MhdnKnw. This Zoom-based event is free and will last around 30 minutes but you need to sign up at https://t.co/j5gbmVlm17

[OPRF Museum @oprfhistory]

Come on over to Wonder Works this Saturday afternoon to learn about how children's play and games have changed over time. This collaborative event with Oak Park River Forest Museum is perfect for parents or grandparents. Details and reservations at https://t.co/qc4Mhd69vY

[OPRF Museum @oprfhistory]

Join us on Saturday, Aug. 13 for a Women's History Walking Tour down Lake Street in Oak Park. You will meet these women and more, pioneers and leaders in the law, culture, civil rights and community service. Tickets required at https://t.co/qc4Mhd69vY

[OPRF Museum @oprfhistory]

Join us tonight at 7 p.m., when The Historical Society of Oak Park and River Forest will host its 2022 Annual Meeting, including a sneak preview of “The Ebony Streak,” a readers’ theater presentation that tells the true story of Lewis Pope. Details at https://t.co/qc4Mhd69vY

[OPRF Museum @oprfhistory]

Take a stroll with us through scenic, historic River Forest on "West Side Stories: People and Architecture That Shaped River Forest" tomorrow (June 25) at 10 a.m. Tickets are $10 (or $8 for members) and may be purchased at https://t.co/qc4Mhd69vY or by phone at [phone].

[OPRF Museum @oprfhistory]

On Friday June 24 at 11 a.m., Oak Park historian Bob Messer will share the story of the Oak Park Farmer's Market band, joined by band members Ben Stark and Geoff Tillotson. Register in advance for the free Zoom-based program at https://t.co/qc4Mhd69vY

[OPRF Museum @oprfhistory]

We love hosting students at OPRF Museum. As May winds down we have had a flurry of field trips for the first time in two years. Great fun! Shown here are students from OPRF High School, Beye School and Seed Montessori. Check out https://t.co/qc4Mhd69vY to set up a visit.

[OPRF Museum @oprfhistory]

Designed as a 2-flat, this 1895 turreted gem was commissioned by George L. Thatcher for his widowed mother-in-law--creating for her a place to live and an ongoing source of income. One of 7 private River Forest homes on a House Walk on May 1. Tickets at https://t.co/qc4Mhd69vY

[OPRF Museum @oprfhistory]

This excellent early example of the Gothic Revival style of architecture was built in River Forest around 1870, right after the Civil War. But what does this house have to do with Chicago's Harold Washington Library? Find out Sunday! Details at https://t.co/qc4Mhd69vY