The Rogers Park/West Ridge Historical Society’s mission is to collect, preserve and share the story of the diverse community of Chicago’s far north side. The Society is located at 7363 N. Greenview Ave., Chicago.

The Society’s website provides a history of this Chicago neighborhood  “The World in One Neighborhood” https://rpwrhs.org/a-short-history-of-rogers-park-and-west-ridge/

For genealogy research, their website provides the following information about their collection:

Photographs – 9,000 images digitized and cataloged. The collection includes class photos from elementary and high schools, neighborhood prominent residents, daily life scenes and special events.

Papers – The collection includes important papers and historical records of prominent individuals, families and businesses in the neighborhood.

Books - Limited selection of business and telephone directories. Some school yearbooks.

Note – The Society is in the process of transferring stewardship of some of the material to the Northside History Collection held at the Sulzer Reginal branch of the Chicago Public Library. Another great location to check for genealogy research.

The Society also provides a Property History Research Service for properties located in Rogers Park and West Ridge.  

Call or check their website before your visit to confirm they are open. They currently have limited hours.  https://rpwrhs.org/

Happy Researching!