Oak Park River Forest Museum

Stepping inside the Oak Park River Forest Museum, you’re not just entering a building, but a time capsule. This isn’t just any museum. It’s the very heart of Oak Park and River Forest’s history, beating within the walls of a repurposed 1898 firehouse. This unique building, originally Cicero Firehouse No. 2, witnessed the events that shaped the community. Now, it preserves and shares those stories. The Oak Park River Forest Museum isn’t just about famous figures like Ernest Hemingway. It’s about the ordinary people who built these villages. It’s about their struggles, triumphs, and the everyday moments that wove the fabric of this place. Explore exhibits on fair housing and how the community tackled racial issues. Discover a children’s activity space, bringing history to life for younger generations. Embark on a scavenger hunt, uncovering fascinating artifacts tucked away within the museum’s corners. The Oak Park River Forest Museum is more than a collection of objects. It’s a living testament to the past, offering a glimpse into the lives and events that shaped Oak Park and River Forest. The museum is open Wednesday through Saturday from 1 pm to 5 pm. Appointments are available for Mondays and Tuesdays. Check their website for special events hosted by the Historical Society. Admission is $5 for residents, $7 for non-residents, and $3 for students. Museum members and children under 7 enter free. The Oak Park River Forest Museum also houses the Jeanette S. and Ellis K. Fields Research Center. This center holds a wealth of research materials available during museum hours. Contact the museum in advance for research inquiries. The Oak Park River Forest Museum awaits, ready to share the captivating story of these unique villages.