Oak Park History

Learn about Oak Park

We are digitizing as much information as we can in our digital archive. If what you need isn’t available online, call us at (708) 452-3467 to schedule an appointment for viewing the materials we have on the Third Floor of the Main Library.

Discover the architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright

  • View photos of his buildings in Oak Park and beyond
  • Read his correspondence
  • View the Wasmuth Portfolio -- 1 of just 12 remaining portfolios that Frank Lloyd Wright made for friends and special clients
  • Conduct research using our collection of correspondence, rare books and magazines

Explore Ernest Hemingway’s early years

Get acquainted with famous Oak Parkers

Research the history of your house

  • Review the Historic Preservation Commission File for information on Oak Park homes and other buildings from the 1970 Hasbrouck/Sprague architectural survey
  • Use the Steiner Index to find architects, dates and descriptions of buildings in Oak Park and River Forest

Investigate your family history

  • Find your family’s listings in Oak Park City Directories 1887-1967 and Oak Park Telephone Directories 1909-1977
  • Review Oak Park newspapers 1883-present on microfilm
  • Use our card catalog index to articles appearing in Oak Park newspapers 1883-1987
  • Search our newspaper online tools for Oak Park newspapers 1987 to present

Find out more about Oak Park