A big year for HSFP

This was a HUGE year for the Historical Society of Forest Park, so buckle up, this is a big recap. Our 50th anniversary year was packed with ambitious programs, packed rooms, creative pop-ups, meaningful partnerships, and more than a few moments where we stepped back and said, “Wow, look at what this community can do.”
We kicked off the year with a well-attended program on Henry Fiddelke at Forest Park Baptist Church, setting the pace for a year full of history told in many different ways. At the Forest Park Public Library, Book Buzz welcomed Ann Durkin Keating, who connected Forest Park’s story to the broader Chicagoland region, highlighting figures such as Leon Bourassa and Mnetoqua and placing Forest Park firmly within the larger historical landscape.
May Day was one of the biggest highlights of the year. We expanded our outdoor exhibit, and Forest Home Cemetery shared artifacts from their collection for the first time, adding a whole new layer to the experience. Bleue Benton was honored with the Mark Rogovin: Working Class Heroes Award for her outstanding contributions to labor history research. Bleue is also a contributor to The Day Will Come, both the 2nd and 3rd editions. May Day also marked the release of two publications: The Day Will Come, 3rd Edition, and More Dead Than Alive: Forest Park’s Quietest Neighbors.
Amy Binns-Calvey returned to the Forest Park Public Library with a powerful and engaging talk on Edmonia Lewis. Later in the year, we released Horseshoes and Fores: The Many Pastimes at Hannah and Roosevelt, the latest Anthony Landahl short film celebrating recreation and everyday life in Forest Park’s past. Watch it here.

Amy Binns-Calvey was everywhere this year, and we were lucky to have her. She led our monthly Haymarket tour, a Forest Park Middle School field trip to Forest Home Cemetery, and a bicycle tour of Forest Home Cemetery. She also spent countless hours writing and researching, including authoring More Dead Than Alive: Forest Park’s Quietest Neighbors, contributing to The Day Will Come, 3rd Edition, and helping update the Eastland Ship Disaster booklet. Keep an eye out for her house histories, coming soon to the Forest Park Review. When she was unavailable, her husband Geoff stepped in to lead the Scarecrow Bike Tour, keeping the wheels turning, literally.
Jill Wagner kept Forest Park history front and center all year long through her weekly Look Back blog posts. Week after week, she shared stories, images, and moments that helped residents connect with the past in accessible and engaging ways. For select posts, articles from The Harlem Post were translated by Uli Leib, adding valuable historical context and making early Forest Park news available to a wider audience
Education and outreach stayed front and center all year. We welcomed Forest Park Middle School students to Forest Home Cemetery for a field trip we hope to make an annual tradition. At German Fest, we shared recently acquired 1920s film footage from the Altenheim Grounds, giving attendees a rare and fascinating look at Forest Park history in motion.
The Garden Walk was once again a huge success, featuring 10 stunning gardens. The weekend kicked off with a party for hosts, volunteers, and members at Michelle Melin-Rogovin’s home, followed by an after-party at Casa Humilde. The Garden walk isn't just gardens, its a two day community event!
We brought online connections into real life with a Jewish Waldheim—Stories and Memories meet-and-greet, then later released a two-part series on Jewish Waldheim. Watch the virtual tour of Jewish Waldheim and other Forest Park Cemeteries here.

One of our biggest accomplishments of the year was the update to the Wall of Renown, made possible with tremendous help from Public Works, who made the space look absolutely beautiful. To learn more about the inductees and their lasting impact on Forest Park here.
In honor of the 110th anniversary of the Eastland disaster, the Eastland Historical Society delivered a powerful presentation at Casa Humilde and updated booklet of everyone buried in Forest Park. Learn more about the Eastland disaster and Forest Park here. 

We also brought back Movie at the Mausoleum with a screening of the classic The Birds, in partnership with the Forest Park Public Library and the Park District of Forest Park. A huge thank-you to Cool Truck Treats for supplying the generator and keeping everyone fueled with movie snacks and sweets. We added even more atmosphere with Spooky Stories and Poetry at the Mausoleum, in collaboration with the library and the Arts Alliance of Forest Park.
This year marked the 5th annual Invasion of the Scarecrows, a creative and growing collaboration with the Arts Alliance of Forest Park. We also popped up as a museum several times at the 7410 Madison building and are excited to return in February for Black History Month with a window display.
Community service was also a meaningful part of our anniversary year. We partnered with Commissioner Michelle Melin-Rogovin on Operation Rising Spirits, sending 1,17 holiday cards to U.S. veterans living in Illinois long-term care facilities a project rooted in gratitude, remembrance, and care.
We officially celebrated our 50th Anniversary on November 16, 2025, at BABS Comedy Club with a night that blended history, community, and plenty of fun. We handled annual business, welcomed new board member Mary Bromet, and were thrilled to have founding member Mark Ross in attendance. The evening included honoring Gerald “Jerry” Lordan with the Dr. Orland Award, recognizing his decades of leadership, service, and commitment to Forest Park. Pizza from Jimmy’s, cake from Forest Park Bakery, a lively raffle organized by Kristen Lyons, and a Forest Park–themed round of Chronology kept the celebration going.
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We closed out the year roasting chestnuts over an open fire at the Holiday Walk a cozy, old-fashioned ending to a milestone year.


Most importantly, thank you to our members and volunteers. Your support, enthusiasm, and belief in the value of local history made this 50th anniversary year possible. Because of you, the Historical Society of Forest Park continues to grow, experiment, and bring history to life in ways that are meaningful, joyful, and shared.
Here’s to the next 50.