News

Exhibit: High Water and Hell (Past)

Submitted by Larry on Sat, 08/01/2020 - 6:57pm

Rising Lake Puts Chicago on Edge

The recent dramatic rise in the level of Lake Michigan is posing a serious – though not unprecedented – threat to property on Chicago’s lakefront. A new exhibit opening January 11, 2020 at the Edgewater History Museum – “High Water and Hell: Rising Lake Puts Chicago on Edge” – examines how the previous record high lake levels in the late 1980s severely battered the City and caused extensive damage to Chicago’s lakefront communities. [more...]

History of Chicago’s Lakefront (Past)

Submitted by Larry on Sat, 07/04/2020 - 7:03am

Dennis McCclendonJoin us on July 11th at 11 a.m. for the much anticipated, but delayed program on the History of Chicago’s Lakefront, with noted Chicago geographer and historian Dennis McClendon.

The event is free, but you must register in advance to receive information how to join the Zoom meeting.

Dennis McClendon is a Chicago historian and geographer, who makes his living drawing maps. His design firm, Chicago CartoGraphic, creates a wide variety of maps for the tourism industry and real estate firms, for books such as the AIA Guide to Chicago Architecture and the Encyclopedia of Chicago, the region’s CTA and Pace transit maps, as well as most Chicago-area bike maps. He is well known as an expert on the city’s built environment and transportation, quoted regularly on WTTW’s “Ask Geoffrey” and WBEZ’s Curious City.

Important Museum Information About Coronavirus 2019

Submitted by Larry on Fri, 03/13/2020 - 10:29am

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.

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

Board of Directors
Edgewater Historical Society and Museum

[more...]

Edgewater Spring Gala (Postponed)

Submitted by Larry on Fri, 02/07/2020 - 6:51pm

Important: The EHS Spring Gala has been 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.


Thursday, April 16, 2020
from 5:30-9:30 p.m.
The Breakers at Edgewater Beach
5333 N. Sheridan Road, Chicago
Donation: $80 ($75 each for two or more)

Come join with your friends and neighbors for an unforgettable evening celebrating our community.

Click here for more information.
Click here to order tickets online with a credit card.
Click here to order tickets by mail with a check.

Reservations and payment must be received no later than Friday, April 10th.

Chicago History Book Group (Past)

Submitted by Larry on Sat, 01/18/2020 - 4:28pm

The next meeting of the Chicago History Book Club will be Saturday, February 8, 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: “Ida: A Sword Among Lions” By Paula J. Giddings, and “To Tell the Truth Freely: The Life of Ida B. Wells” By Mia Bay.

Click here for a flyer.

Save the Nordine Mansion from Demolition

Submitted by Larry on Wed, 01/01/2020 - 3:28pm

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...]

Chicago History Book Group (Past)

Submitted by Larry on Mon, 11/04/2019 - 9:34am

The next meeting of the Chicago History Book Club will be Saturday, December 14, 2019 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: “For the Thrill of It: Leopold, Loeb and the Murder that Shocked Chicago” By Simon Baatz, “Leopold and Loeb: The Crime of the Century” By Hal Higdon, and “The Leopold and Loeb Files” By Nina Barrett.

Click here for a flyer.

"Edgewater Beach Hotel" gallery talk (Past)

Submitted by Larry on Fri, 11/01/2019 - 11:02am

Join curator Kathy Gemperle for an “Edgewater Beach Hotel” exhibit gallery talk on Thursday, November 14, at 7:30 p.m. at the Edgewater Historical Society Museum, 5358 N. Ashland, Chicago.

New acquisitions will be shown. There will be door prizes, and refreshments will be served. Space is limited, so please RSVP using the ContactUs button above. We’re sorry, but reservations are now closed.

Wanted: Edgewater Living Treasures Award Nominations (Past)

Submitted by Larry on Tue, 09/17/2019 - 6:35pm

The Edgewater Historical Society is seeking nominees for its Edgewater Living Treasures Award. EHS invites Edgewater residents to submit the name(s) of anyone whom they feel is deserving of the award by September 29, 2019. Click here for the nomination form. Winners of the award are at the sole discretion of the Edgewater Historical Society. [more...]

Chicago History Book Group (Past)

Submitted by Larry on Sat, 08/31/2019 - 9:21am

The next meeting of the Chicago History Book Club will be Saturday, October 12, 2019 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: “When Public Housing was Paradise” By J. S. Fuerst, “The Poorhouse: Subsidized Housing in Chicago” By Devereaux Bowley, and “Highrisers: Cabrini-Green and the Fate of American Public Housing” By Ben Austen.

Click here for a flyer.

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