Last updated: 3/31/2011
10 Pine Avenue
Riverside, IL 60546
27 Riverside Road
Riverside, IL 60546
| Saturday | 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. |
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Gary Mechanic
phone: 708-447-2542
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Martha Heine
phone: 708-447-2542
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Michael Flight
phone: 708-447-2542
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The Riverside Historical Museum is located in the East Well House next to the historic Water Tower designed by William Le Barron Jenney. A new exhibit space in the East Well House has recently been completed. New permanent displays are currently being developed.
The Museum is managed and operated by the seven-member volunteer Riverside Historical Commission. The museum contains and archive of approximately 16,000 documents and artifacts that are primarily dedicated to preserving the rich history of Riverside. It houses documentary history of the Village of Riverside and environs: Archival materials include origins, territorial plats, maps, manuscripts, architectural drawings, records of Village management and civic organizations, Historic Structure Survey, photographic records, books, audiovisual tapes and transcriptions and artifacts. It houses many nationally significant artifacts relating to Riverside, Frederick Law Olmsted, and to the many noteworthy architects who have built structures in Riverside.
Started in 1933 as the Riverside Historical Society.
The museum contains and archive of approximately 16,000 documents and artifacts that are primarily dedicated to preserving the rich history of Riverside.
Notable pieces in the collection include a Chandelier and Wall sconce designed by George Grant Elmslie as was most of the decoration for the Babson Estate. Additionally, an original drawing of the Riverside Plan created by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux is on display in the East Well House archives.
Other archival materials include origins, territorial plats, maps, manuscripts, architectural drawings, records of Village management and civic organizations, Historic Structure Survey, photographic records, books, audiovisual tapes and transcriptions and artifacts. It houses many nationally significant artifacts relating to Riverside, Frederick Law Olmsted, and to the many noteworthy architects who have built structures in Riverside.
Monthly programs on the local history of Riverside. Most recently a series on pre-Riverside history including scholars speaking on local Native American tribes and traditions as well as settlement surrounding the Chicago Portage National Historic Site and Riverside as the first Stage Coach stop heading west out of Chicago.
Teacher Workshops are provided for local schools.
Interpretive Tours of Riverside its design and National Landmark Structures are available by appointment.
Village of Riverside Riverside Historical Commission
Access: General Public, Students, Scholars
Appointment required: Yes
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