Welcome

March 17, 2020

To Our Friends and Members,

The Edgewater Historical Society values and relies on the health of its volunteers, members, and everyone in the community. We take seriously the current recommendations from all levels of government to limit gatherings in order to reduce potential exposure to and spread of COVID-19 (Coronavirus 2019). We are especially concerned about protecting vulnerable populations that might participate in any of EHS’s upcoming events.

With this in mind, the Edgewater Historical Society Museum will be closed to the public until further notice. We will let you know when we feel it is safe and healthy to resume our hours at the conclusion of the Coronavirus ordeal.

We look forward to celebrating our Grand Reopening. In the meantime, feel free to enjoy the robust information that we have on the EHS website about our Edgewater history.

You also might enjoy some worldwide museums that will have free virtual tours during the Coronavirus ordeal, with links in this Travel and Leisure article.

In addition, EHS is canceling or postponing the following events for the time being:

March 21 Annual Meeting at Edgewater Branch Library (Canceled)

We will reschedule our speaker on the History of the Lakefront for a later date, and we will prepare a summary of the Annual Report to be posted on social media. The volunteer fair will also be rescheduled, but in the meantime, consider joining our fellow volunteers in the coming year.

April 11 Chicago History Book Group (Postponed indefinitely)

We will reschedule the meeting as soon as the Edgewater Library again allows meetings in their Community Room. In the meantime, keep reading, everyone. That’s something we can now do more of, yippee!

April 16 Annual Spring Fundraiser at Breakers Edgewater (Postponed indefinitely)

If you submitted payments for the fundraiser, you will be contacted about a refund or return of your check. We thank our sponsors and silent auction donors; we intend to have the auction at a rescheduled event.

We thank you, our public and members for your support and forbearance during this difficult time.

Board of Directors
Edgewater Historical Society and Museum

Important: The Chicago History Book Group meeting has been postponed indefinitely. We will reschedule it as soon as the Edgewater Library again allows meetings in their Community Room.

The next meeting of the Chicago History Book Club will be Saturday, April 11, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. in the Betty A. Barclay Community Room at the Edgewater Branch of the Chicago Public Library, 6000 N. Broadway.

The books to be discussed are: “An Early Encounter with Tomorrow” By Arnold Lewis, Devil in the White City” By Erik Larson,and “The Fair Women” By Jeanne Madeline Weimann.

Click here for a flyer.

We Need Your Help to Save the Nordine Mansion from Demolition
Support Landmarking

A demolition permit to tear down the historic Nordine Home in Edgewater was recently filed with the City of Chicago. We need your help to stop it.

This 1902 gem, designed by the famous Pond & Pond firm is a prime example of Arts and Craft design, and is the finest, and one of the of few remaining, single family homes in the original Edgewater. And it was owned for over 50 years by the noted Ken Nordine, “creator of a style of audio storytelling he called ‘word jazz,’ one of the most celebrated voices on radio or TV.” He broadcast his WMAQ radio show from the 3rd floor Snail Studios that saw or recorded the likes of Jerry Garcia, Fred Astaire and many other musicians of note. [more...]

The Chicago Conspiracy Trial: One Juror’s Ordeal

In 1968 the Democratic National Convention was held in Chicago. Protests, confrontation, arrests and ensuing trial, tested the legal and political processes. The Chicago Conspiracy Trial of 1969-1970 was a challenge to the American justice system. This exhibit examines one juror’s experiences, reflected through her journals, and the lasting impact of the trial on her and her family. [more...]