|
Quick Links
 |
On
Sale Now |
Chicago's
Beverly/Morgan
Park Neighborhood
by Joseph Oswald
|
A fascinating look at one of
Chicago's most intriguing areas. This newly-released book
is on sale now from RHS and can be purchased here.
(A great gift for your favorite history buff!)
|
|
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR APPOINTED TO RIDGE HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Jane Nicoll was recently named Executive Director of the Ridge Historical Society (RHS), 10621 S. Seeley Ave. RHS collects, documents and preserves information and artifacts pertaining to the history of the Ridge communities now known as Beverly Hills/Morgan Park and Washington Heights. RHS President Mary Quinn Olsson said, "RHS welcomes Jane's knowledge, experience and fine reputation in the museum field. Her expertise will be invaluable in implementing the detailed recommendations made by the society's recent Conservation Assessment Program (CAP) reports, a grant funded in 2004 by the Institute of Museum and Library Services." Nicoll, a Certified Archivist, served the Park Forest Public Library for 26 years as a reference librarian and archivist. She created the Local History Collection and Archive for that library, and served as Project Director for the digital imaging project, "Park Forest: An Illinois Planned Community." Nicoll was also co-founder of the Park Forest Historical Society in 1985, and will continue to serve on its board of directors as archivist. In 1998, as part of the 50th Anniversary Committee, Nicoll helped create the 50th Anniversary House Museum in an original rental townhome. That house museum is now under the direction of the Park Forest Historical Society. Nicoll will continue as curator of the 50th Anniversary House Museum for that society. Nicoll said she is proud of the work she has done for Park Forest, and hopes to provide the same high level of service to the Ridge Historical Society and to the members of the community it serves in promoting the use of its rich and varied collections. The opportunity to be employed as an archivist in a museum setting is an exciting new direction for her. She looks forward to working with the Board of Directors, Executive Officers, the members, and the many dedicated volunteers and researchers who work with the Ridge Historical Society. The society is hoping to recruit many more volunteers for a number of projects on the collection and to serve as docents. The RHS museum and research facility in the Graver-Driscoll House, a 1922 Tudor style home designed by John T. Hetherington for Herbert Spencer Graver, and donated to the society in 1972 by James P. Driscoll. The Society takes its name from the ridge upon which it sits -- incorporating the bulk of the neighborhoods of Beverly Hills on the north and Morgan Park on the south - also called locally, "The Village in the City." Most of the area is included in the Ridge Historic District, which was the largest designated urban historic district in the country when listed on the National Register of Historic Places in May 1976. Nicoll began working for the Ridge Historical Society in September. Among other duties, she will research grant funds and coordinate grant writing, and coordinate volunteer and docent programs, public relations, and the Collections portion of the CAP grant report. As a not-for-profit organization, RHS depends on membership dues, grants and gifts to continue its important work or preserving local history. The annual fund drive is in progress, and persons wishing to make donations, renew or sign up for membership, or learn more about the Society and its work, are invited to call or visit. RHS is open to the public from 2 to 5 p.m. on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays, or by appointment. The society engages in regular programming on various historical topics in conjunction with rotating exhibits. Nicoll is available by appointment. For more information on the Ridge Historical Society, call 773-881-1675 or ridgehistory@hotmail.com.
Features
|
©2008 Ridge Historical Society • 10621 S. Seeley Avenue • Chicago , Illinois 60643 • 773-881-1675 •