News

2026 Annual Meeting (Past)

Submitted by Larry on Mon, 02/16/2026 - 7:53pm

Geoff SmithThe Edgewater Historical Society invites you to the 2026 Annual Meeting, presenting candidates for your Board of Directors and telling you about plans for 2026-27. The meeting will be on Saturday, March 7, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. in the Betty A. Barclay Community Room of the Edgewater Branch Library, 6000 N. Broadway. Click here for a flyer.

Preservation in the Time of Development Pressure

How can communities across Chicago grapple with preserving the best of their built environments in the face of growing pressure for new housing development and the up-zoning that would facilitate it? Ward Miller, the Richard H. Driehaus Executive Director of Preservation Chicago, will address this critical issue of the day as well as review his organization’s current list of the most endangered structures in Chicago.

The program is free to the public, and light refreshments will be served. No reservations are required. (Eventbrite)

How Storefront Theater Shaped Chicago (Past)

Submitted by Larry on Fri, 01/23/2026 - 10:06pm

Saturday, February 7, 2026 at 1:00 p.m.
Waldorf School Auditorium
5200 N. Ashland Ave., Chicago 60640

Chicago is home to one of the world’s most unusual theater scenes. Hundreds of theater companies have taken root in all manner of storefronts and other nontraditional spaces in recent decades. What makes Chicago’s theater scene tick like no other? Join Chicago Tribune theater critic Chris Jones for a rare examination of one of our city’s most unique cultural phenomena, with a particular focus on its role in Chicago’s neighborhoods.

Co-sponsored by Chicago Waldorf School. No reservations required.

Chicago History Book Group (Past)

Submitted by Larry on Thu, 01/22/2026 - 2:51pm

The next meeting of the Chicago History Book Group will be Saturday, February 14, 2026 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 subject of the meeting is “Onward to Chicago: Freedom Seekers and the Underground Railroad in Northeastern Illinois” by Larry A. McClellan. Click here for a flyer.

Chicago History Book Group (Past)

Submitted by Larry on Sat, 11/15/2025 - 9:53am

The next meeting of the Chicago History Book Group will be Saturday, December 13, 2025 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 subject of the meeting is “Chicago Comedy: a Fairly Serious History” by Margaret Hicks. Click here for a flyer.

2025 Living Treasures of Edgewater (Past)

Submitted by Larry on Sun, 10/19/2025 - 9:21am

Saturday, November 1, 2025 at 1:00 p.m.
Betty A. Barclay Community Room
Edgewater Branch Library, 6000 N. Broadway

The Edgewater Historical Society sponsors the Living Treasures of Edgewater awards to honor residents and former residents of Edgewater who have made a difference in the lives of their fellow residents. These deeds can be small or large, but all contributed to the betterment of our community.

We hope you can join us in the formal recognition of the 2025 Living Treasures of Edgewater. Click here for more information about the Edgewater Living Treasures program.

The Uptown: Chicago’s Endangered Movie Palace (Past)

Submitted by Larry on Tue, 10/14/2025 - 11:38am

Saturday, November 15, 2025 at 2:00 p.m.
Edgewater Branch, Chicago Public Library
Betty A. Barclay Community Room
6000 N. Broadway, Chicago 60660

Authors Robert Loerzel and James A. Pierce will talk about their new book on the history of the Uptown Theatre, which has been vacant and unused for more than 40 years. “The Uptown” tells the history of this theater that was “built for all time,” using original records and firsthand accounts to tell a story of dreamers, a changing neighborhood, and a nation stepping into a new world. Click here for a flyer.

Chicago History Book Group (Past)

Submitted by Larry on Wed, 09/24/2025 - 4:41pm

The next meeting of the Chicago History Book Group will be Saturday, October 11, 2025 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 subject of the meeting is “The Adventures of Augie March” by Saul Bellow. Click here for a flyer.

Soldier Field: Chicago’s Gathering Place (Past)

Submitted by Larry on Sat, 08/23/2025 - 2:16pm

Saturday, September 13, 2025 at 10:30 a.m.
Edgewater Branch, Chicago Public Library
Betty A. Barclay Community Room
6000 N. Broadway, Chicago 60660

Rogers Park author Liam T.A. Ford discusses the history and possible future of Soldier Field, drawing on his book “Soldier Field: A Stadium and Its City,” published in 2009 by the University of Chicago Press as part of its Chicago Visions and Revisions Series. As he tells it, the tale of Soldier Field truly is the story of Chicago, filled with political intrigue and civic pride. Click here for a flyer.

2025 Summer Nights in Edgewater (Past)

Submitted by Larry on Thu, 06/19/2025 - 8:24pm

Join your neighbors again this year, on warm summer nights, for our popular community program of free live performances. From July 2 to August 20, 2025, every Wednesday evening from 6 to 8 p.m., different local musicians will entertain you in the beautiful EHS garden. Children and pet friendly! All are welcome. Click here for the 2025 schedule.

Women Leaders in Edgewater

Submitted by Larry on Wed, 06/18/2025 - 3:36pm

EHS Museum Women have always been involved in improving the life of the Edgewater community. The outside windows feature posters of 4 Alderwomen who have made a notable impact since 1950. Inside, the exhibit continues with the history of 30 other women’s efforts who have contributed to making Edgewater the diverse vibrant community we enjoy today. Together, they add to Edgewater’s rich heritage of female involvement and inspire the next generation. Click here to enjoy an introductory tour of the exhibit.

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