Ridge Historical Society

Public Education Programs: The Society created an original exhibit, "Windows on the Past" based on a group of watercolors in the RHS collection. The artist, Louise Barwick, lived in the Ridge community around the turn of the last century and painted local scenes of the time. The exhibit was free and open to the public, and docent-moderated viewings with Q&A sessions were scheduled. The Society also hosted speakers for local history presentations (Geology of the Ridge; Freedom Seekers about the Underground Railroad activities in the area), a practical talk on weatherizing houses, and several workshops on researching the history of old Chicago houses. In another significant public education effort, RHS regularly and consistently publishes local history items via print and social media.

Public Events: Ridge Historical Society participated in several local events, including the community's Memorial Day Parade, BAPA-sponsored free "Porch Concerts", Beverly Arts Alliance's Annual Art Walk, and Chicago Architectural Center's "Open House Chicago". RHS timed its exhibit opening in conjunction with the fall events.

Graver-Driscoll House Preservation and Maintenance: The Society resides in a designated historic district, and owns Graver-Driscoll House which serves is its base of administrative operations and as a museum, archive, and meeting venue. The building is historically significant in its own right; it was designed by noted architect John Todd Hetherington and is over 100 years old. The Society completed the first of a planned series of restoration projects by re-creating an art glass window in its entrance door, based on an old photograph.

4. Preservation Awareness and Advocacy: The Society works to raise awareness of and appreciation for the community's rich historical and architectural heritage, and participates in architectural preservation efforts. The Society administers a Historic Plaques Program, in which its preservation volunteers work with local building owners to obtain appropriate signage to mark buildings of historic significance.

5. Historic Research: Research of local history involving people, places, events, buildings and artifacts is a significant activity of the Society. Research may be undertaken in the planning of exhibits or programs; to support the organization's participation in local initiatives and observances; or to document the organization's collection. The Society also routinely responds to questions and requests from local residents, often concerning their residences or other buildings. Research labor is provided by volunteers, and the Society had no associated expenses in 2023.