Celebrating the history of Oak Park and River Forest, Illinois through a Museum, Research Center, and a wide range of Public Programs in the community. THE HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF OAK PARK AND RIVER FOREST IS A 501(C)(3) ORGANIZATION FOUNDED FOR EDUCATIONAL AND CHARITABLE PURPOSES. THE MISSION STATEMENT SUMMARIZES THE PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION: TO BRING TOGETHER PEOPLE WHO ARE INTERESTED IN OAK PARK AND RIVER FOREST; TO STUDY AND PROVIDE MEANS AND FACILITIES FOR THE STUDY OF THE HISTORY OF OAK PARK AND RIVER FOREST ENVIRONS; TO ACQUIRE, COLLECT, PRESERVE AND DISPLAY MATERIALS AND LITERATURE RELEVANT TO THE HISTORY OF THE OAK PARK AND RIVER FOREST AREA; TO ASSIST IN THE DESIGNATION AND PRESERVATION OF BUILDINGS, MONUMENTS, AND OTHER SITES SIGNIFICANT TO THE HISTORY OF THE AREA;TO PUBLISH AND DISSEMINATE MATERIALS AND INFORMATION RELATIVE TO THE HISTORY OF THE AREA; TO OPERATE AN ARCHIVE, LIBRARY AND MUSEUM.