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We remember legendary Oak Park musician Cliff Johnson, who passed away last month at the age of 70. Learn more about Johnson's music career by watching this short video, where Val Camilletti, the late founder of Val's Halla Record Store, discusses Johnson's success with the powerpop band Off Broadway. This video was created in 2016 by Village of Oak Park videographer Joe Kreml.

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Is Betty White really an Oak Parker?

OPRF Museum historians answer your questions about Oak Park and River Forest history in our virtual program series “Ask the Historians”

In this month's program, OPRF Museum Executive Director Frank Lipo explains the Oak Park origins of America's favorite golden girl, the late Betty White. Also, Operations Manager Rachel Berlinski shares the story of the museum's new artifact, which was used in Oak Park's birthday celebration for Betty White earlier this month. 

 Find details about the next "Ask the Historians," submit your OPRF history question, and learn more about Oak Park River Forest Museum on our website oprfmuseum.org

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Join us “Inside OPRF Museum.” 

In this recurring online program, Historical Society members and staff share fascinating artifacts or stories from the museum’s collection. 

This month, with two recent TV specials featuring stories related to our area, our theme is "Oak Park and PBS." Pamela Lyons, volunteer at OPRF Museum and the Hemingway Birthplace Museum, will share some stories of Ernest's grandfather Anson Hemingway. And Board President Peggy Tuck Sinko will share the interesting tie that PBS's new docu-drama "Atlantic Crossing" has to Oak Park. 

For details about the next "Inside OPRF Museum" or to learn more about Oak Park River Forest Museum, visit oprfmuseum.org

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The photo above shows Faith Jefferson Jones (far left) in a 1940s photo with her parents and son. In 1923, Faith Jefferson and her classmate Archie Webster became the first African American graduates of Oak Park River Forest High School. Unfortunately, the Jefferson family's time living in Oak Park did not come without discrimination. You can find out more about Jones and her family in our Hometown Legends web story.

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Another Museum Minute! This one looks at the arrival of professional management in Oak Park village government in the early 1950s, after a period of cronyism. Thanks to Joe Kreml for his good work on this!

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Since the Lake Street Resurfacing Project is in full swing in front of OPRF Museum, here’s a #FlashbackFriday photo of Lake Street in Downtown Oak Park under construction in 1974.

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Economy Shop at 100: Donations Through the Decades, Shopping Through the Century...

While Oak Park River Forest Museum is closed to visitors at this time, we are working on adding past exhibit content to our website. Watch for more content from past OPRF Museum exhibits. 

First up, a video from the exhibit “Economy Shop at 100″ commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Economy Shop in Oak Park. This exhibit ran at OPRF Museum in Spring of 2019.

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We are so excited to hear about the new Carol Shields Prize for Fiction, which starting in 2022 will be awarded each year to a female novelist. Visit our website to find out more about Carol Shields, who was born in Oak Park.

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Victorian hairwork jewelry and decor, circa mid-19th century.

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OPRF Museum has a new night watchman! 

You’ve seen him on Reno 911 as Lt. Dangle. Now find out more about Oak Parker Tom Lennon in the latest edition of Museum Minute.

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August 9, 2019- Happy Birthday to Tom Lennon, Oak Park native and friend of the Historical Society! Lennon is best known for his role as Lt. Dangle in Reno 911. We were very glad to have him visit OPRF Museum this April.

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On the road to Californy...

These photos were taken in 1954 on a trip through Denver, Yosemite, Yellowstone, and Seattle. Did you take a road trip this summer?

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From Oak Leaves, April 1, 1965

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It’s spring cleaning at OPRF Museum--tidying and reorganizing--and we are finding some gems.

Snapshots of Oak Park, River Forest, and surrounding Chicago suburbs c. 1960s. Souvenir Oak Park pennant. Scrapbook from OPRF High School student, 1955-1959.

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It is always a treat for our archivist Elizabeth to find rag paper in our collection, like this newspaper from 1847.

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For this and more This Month in History stories, visit oprfmuseum.org

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