The Ridge Historical Society is a not-for-profit organization founded in 1971 to preserve and promote the history of the Chicago neighborhoods of Beverly Hills, Morgan Park and Washington Heights.

The area now has four recognized municipal and national historic districts, including the Ridge Historic District, one of the largest urban districts on the National Register of Historic Places

• Longwood Drive District
• Walter Burley Griffin Place
• Rock Island Train Station District

Sunday, March 18, at 2:30 p.m.

The Ridge Historical Society will host its next "House Doctors" program on Sunday, March 18, at 2:30 p.m. The topic is 'Driveway Construction Using Concrete or Asphalt." Local tradesmen will discuss the merits of various construction materials using the historic Graver-Driscoll House, RHS headquarters, as an example. Question and answer period will follow; light refreshments will be served. $5 per RHS member; $10 per non-member, fee may go toward new membership. At RHS, 10621 S. Seeley; parking on west side of Seeley or at Beacon School lot at corner of 107th and Seeley. For more information contact RHS at 773-881-1675 or ridgehistory@hotmail.com.

Sunday, April 29, 3:00 PM

On Sunday, April 29, 3:00 PM, RHS will hold a " Spring Bonnet Tea for Adults and Young Ladies" – Everyone must wear a hat!  This will be a Full Victorian Tea with tea sandiches,  sweets and other goodies.  An exhibit of vintage hats and bonnets will also be on display. The cost is $20 per adult; $10 per child 8-16; children must be accompanied by adult. At RHS, 10621 S. Seeley Ave., parking on west side of Seeley or Beacon School lot at corner of Seeley and 107th St. Call (773-881-1675) or email.

Before and After: How Buildings Change Over Time
The majority of "before" pictures are photocopies of postcards that are part of a collection at the Chicago Historical Society. The "after" photographs are part of a long-term project to document the architecture of the community. Take a look and see if your house is in this photo album.

The 111th St. Train Station Rehabilitation
Take a look at the project from start to finish in this photo review.

Architectural Resource Center
Start the process of researching your home's history on our website and learn where to find additional resources.

Street Cars of Beverly Hills/Morgan Park
A short photo essay of the long-gone era of streetcars in our neighborhood.

The Vincennes Trail
The development of what was once an Indian trail into a pioneer "superhighway".

RHS Photo Album
Take a nostalgic tour of our community's history with our photo album. Visit the people and places from our past. To view the photo album requires Macromedia Flash 6 Player. For a free download, please select Download Flash 6 player to view . Follow the instructions on the Macromedia website.

Local Legend Debunked
Was Beverly Hills, California named after Beverly Hills in Chicago?

Ice & Water: Chicago Before Our Time
Geological history of the Ridge area.

Local Indian Lore
Indian prehistory of the area.

Morgan Family Initiatives Launched Community
A look at the influence of a pioneer family.

Illinois and the Glaciers
A brief synopsis of glacial activity in Illinois that is part of the underpinning of the Ridge geography.

Glacial Debris
How glaciers created "moraines".

Beverly Hills/Morgan Park Architecture
A compendium of articles on local architecture by Harold T. Wolff.