RHS is non-profit historical society and archive for the Beverly, Morgan Park and Mount Greenwood neighborhoods on Chicago's southwest side.
Morgan Park, Beverly Hills and Washington Heights are located on the far southwest corner of Chicago, in an area unique becasue of its geography, the Blue Island Ridge. This is a steep ridge formed 10,000 - 15,000 years ago by glacial action, punctured by ravines, that runs several miles, elevating the area by as much as 60 feet above the rest of the city. This area runs from about 79yj Street south through the town of Blue Island, and ws once an island surrounded by an inland sea. Early human inhabitants were Native Americans such as the Potawatomi Indians who forged trails through the wetlands, such as the Vincennes Trail. The first white settler arrived in 1832 and development has continued since then. The Village of Morgan Park was developed to resemble an English Village and founded as a "temperance community" - this area remains the only "dry"area in the city to this day. By 1914, these three areas were all annexed to the city.
There are four historic districts in this area. First is the Ridge Historic District on the National Register of Historic Places. Then there are three historic districts recognized by the City of Chicago: The Longwood Drive District; the Walter Burloey Griffin Place District; and the Beverly/Morgan Park Railroad District (along the Metra line). the area is known for its wide variety of architecturally significant buildings.
RHS is a not-for-profit 501(C)3 organization. The mission is to collect, preserve and make available to the public, documents, photographs, newspapers, artifacts and other materials related to the history of the Chicago communities of Beverly Hills, Morgan Park, and Washington Heights located along the area known as the Blue Island Ridge; to encourage interest in the history of this area; and to present educational programs and exhibits of the collection.
Membership categories:
Student under 18 - $10 per year
Individual - $25
Family - $50
Contributor - $100
Patron - $150
Guarantor - $500
The membership year runs January through December, and membership includes the quarterly RHS newsletter, the Ridge Historical Society Record, and discounts on research and program fees. Several books are available; house history research; paver brick program and educational and entertaining programs and exhibits;
