 Following the Wall of Renown reception, the celebration continued at the Village Council Meeting, where Mayor Rory Hoskins presented an official proclamation honoring the Forest Park Historical Society on its 50th Anniversary. The proclamation recognized the Society’s five decades of work preserving and sharing the unique history of Forest Park through education, outreach, and a variety of beloved community events.
Mayor Hoskins proclaimed 2025 as the “Year of the Forest Park Historical Society” in the Village of Forest Park, encouraging all residents to join in celebrating this milestone and to continue supporting the Society’s mission to preserve the stories that define the community for future generations.  The Historical Society of Forest Park is proud to announce the long-anticipated update to the Wall of Renown, located in the lower level of Forest Park Village Hall. This is the first time the wall has been updated since 1998. Established in 1984, the Wall of Renown recognizes Forest Park residents who have made lasting contributions to the community through public service, volunteerism, leadership, and cultural impact. Each inductee is honored with a photograph and brief biography, preserving their story for future generations. We are excited to welcome a new group of honorees whose work has shaped the spirit and success of Forest Park: 2025 Inductees to the Wall of Renown
Thank you to Public Works for their amazing job installing the new Wall of Renown and the Village of Forest Park for their support and giving us this space. Reception
The Wall of Renown reception was a wonderful evening with about 100 people in attendance. Four of our new inductees were able to join us, along with many of their family members, while those who could not attend or who have passed away were well-represented by friends and loved ones. Guests enjoyed cookies from Twisted Cookie and beverages provided by Smokey Joel. The Forest Park Public Works team did an outstanding job hanging the frames, and Mark Boroughf printed and installed the text Wall of Renown letter. It was a fitting celebration of this year’s inductees and their contributions to the community.
 Thank you to everyone who joined us for our Jewish Waldheim—Stories and Memories meet and greet! It was wonderful to see so many friends, both new and familiar, come together in person to connect, kibitz, and share stories. A heartfelt thank you to Abby Schmelling for bringing us together and Oak Park Temple B’nai Abraham Zion for so generously hosting us your hospitality made the event truly special. We are especially grateful to Amy Binns-Calvey for sharing her research on Waldheim Cemetery, which added so much meaning and insight to our gathering.  What a day! Our 7th Annual Garden Walk on July 12 was a huge success—one of our best yet! With 10 stunning gardens on the map and a surprise bonus garden added by a next-door neighbor inspired to join in, the day was full of beauty, creativity, and community spirit. We’re thrilled to share that we raised over $5,000 to support the work of the Historical Society of Forest Park! A big thank you to our amazing garden hosts, hardworking volunteers, and generous sponsors. Special thanks to Casa Humilde for throwing a fantastic after party, and to Michelle Melin-Rogovin for hosting our Host, Volunteer, and Member Pre-Party. We also thank the Village of Forest Park for opening up 7410 Madison to house our pop-up museum and booklet pop-up, it was the perfect addition to the day. Congratulations to Becca and Kevin Smorze, this year’s Outstanding Garden winners! And thank you to all our raffle donors for helping us end the day with fun and great prizes. We’re already looking forward to next year!
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Congratulations to our Outstanding Garden winners
Becca & Kevin Smorze
Thank you to our volunteers
Photobooth Photos
Thank you to our sponsors
Michelle Melin-Rogovin
AutoBarn
Kyra Pych Real Estate
The AutoBarn Import
Lauren Burjan Real Estate
Begat Genealogist Research Services
U3 Coffee
Cool Truck Treats
Davis Tree Care
Kiwanis of Forest Park
Mari Mortensen
Ferrara
April Baker Homes
More Photos
We had an amazing time at this year’s German Fest, blessed with perfect weather and a fantastic crowd. One of the highlights for us at the Historical Society of Forest Park was sharing a recent and very special acquisition: a 16mm film of vignettes from the Altenheim, dating back to the 1930s.
It was incredible to watch nearly 100-year-old footage taken right on the very grounds where German Fest was happening. Seeing familiar buildings and scenes come to life on film offered a powerful reminder of Forest Park’s deep roots and enduring stories.
We were thrilled to meet so many friendly faces, longtime residents, new neighbors, and visitors curious about our town’s history. Conversations covered everything from the early days of the Altenheim to local landmarks, favorite Forest Park memories, and upcoming events.
There’s nothing quite like bringing our history out into the community. We’re so grateful for the chance to connect with people in person and share the stories that make Forest Park such a special place.
It was incredible to watch nearly 100-year-old footage taken right on the very grounds where German Fest was happening. Seeing familiar buildings and scenes come to life on film offered a powerful reminder of Forest Park’s deep roots and enduring stories.
We were thrilled to meet so many friendly faces, longtime residents, new neighbors, and visitors curious about our town’s history. Conversations covered everything from the early days of the Altenheim to local landmarks, favorite Forest Park memories, and upcoming events.
There’s nothing quite like bringing our history out into the community. We’re so grateful for the chance to connect with people in person and share the stories that make Forest Park such a special place.
Amy Binns-Calvey and Alexis Ellers led engaging tours of Forest Home Cemetery for the 7th grade class from Forest Park Middle School. It was a pleasure to introduce the students to the rich and fascinating local history preserved within the cemetery grounds. Through stories of influential figures, historic movements, and Forest Park’s unique past, the students gained a deeper appreciation for their community’s heritage.
We’re grateful for the opportunity to inspire curiosity and connect the next generation with the stories that shaped their hometown—and we sincerely hope this becomes an annual tradition!
We’re grateful for the opportunity to inspire curiosity and connect the next generation with the stories that shaped their hometown—and we sincerely hope this becomes an annual tradition!
May Day 2025 marked our eighth year participating at the Haymarket Martyrs’ Monument in Forest Home Cemetery. Each year, we are honored to be present, sharing stories, listening, and engaging with those who gather to recognize this historic day. The monument continues to serve as a powerful gathering place for members of the IWW, labor unions, international visitors, teachers with students, and parents introducing their children to the importance of labor history.
Our outdoor exhibit along Radical Row offered stories of those buried nearby, including both well-known figures and individuals whose contributions are often overlooked. We often say, “We are here because people are here,” and that spirit was very much alive again this year. A special addition in 2025 was the participation of Grace from Forest Home Cemetery, who brought original artifacts and documents related to the burials at Radical Row, giving visitors a rare opportunity to engage directly with the historical record.
This May Day was especially meaningful as we released two new books. The Day Will Come, now in its third edition, continues to honor the legacy of Haymarket. More Dead Than Alive: Forest Park’s Quietest Neighbors introduces a new collection of biographies that bring to life the stories of those resting in Forest Home Cemetery. Sharing these publications helped deepen the experience for visitors and added new voices to the ongoing conversation.
If you missed May Day, we invite you to join us for a guided tour on the first Saturday of every month at 11:00 a.m. to explore the history of the Haymarket Martyrs and Radical Row.
Our outdoor exhibit along Radical Row offered stories of those buried nearby, including both well-known figures and individuals whose contributions are often overlooked. We often say, “We are here because people are here,” and that spirit was very much alive again this year. A special addition in 2025 was the participation of Grace from Forest Home Cemetery, who brought original artifacts and documents related to the burials at Radical Row, giving visitors a rare opportunity to engage directly with the historical record.
This May Day was especially meaningful as we released two new books. The Day Will Come, now in its third edition, continues to honor the legacy of Haymarket. More Dead Than Alive: Forest Park’s Quietest Neighbors introduces a new collection of biographies that bring to life the stories of those resting in Forest Home Cemetery. Sharing these publications helped deepen the experience for visitors and added new voices to the ongoing conversation.
If you missed May Day, we invite you to join us for a guided tour on the first Saturday of every month at 11:00 a.m. to explore the history of the Haymarket Martyrs and Radical Row.
This year, Bleue Benton was honored with the Mark Rogovin: Working Class Heroes Award for her outstanding contributions to labor history research. Bleue’s journey began when Mark Rogovin approached her to help investigate graves near the Haymarket Martyrs' Monument that didn’t have an obvious connection to the labor movement. Her librarian skills proved invaluable as she uncovered hidden links, sparking her passion for the subject and setting her on a path of continued research.
Bleue's involvement grew as she contributed to the second edition of The Day Will Come, assisting with research and later helping Mark with the time capsule research. Her dedication didn’t stop there. She played a pivotal role in expanding the third edition of The Day Will Come, helping to uncover new connections to Radical Row and broadening the overall scope of the booklet’s information.
Her enthusiasm for labor history and her tireless efforts have left a lasting impact, ensuring that future generations will have access to a more comprehensive and connected history of those who fought for workers’ rights.
Bleue's involvement grew as she contributed to the second edition of The Day Will Come, assisting with research and later helping Mark with the time capsule research. Her dedication didn’t stop there. She played a pivotal role in expanding the third edition of The Day Will Come, helping to uncover new connections to Radical Row and broadening the overall scope of the booklet’s information.
Her enthusiasm for labor history and her tireless efforts have left a lasting impact, ensuring that future generations will have access to a more comprehensive and connected history of those who fought for workers’ rights.
Historian and author Ann Durkin Keating came to the Forest Park library in what was a masterclass in Chicago and Forest Park history. I was lucky enough to moderate the April 11 conversation.
Known for her co-editorship of The Encyclopedia of Chicago and her deep dives into the city’s urban development, Keating brought a rich, nuanced perspective to the stories that have shaped the region.
She explained the layered relationships between people who lived here long ago and the geography of the area. She highlighted our area’s portage between the Great Lakes and the Des Plaines River which later connects to the Mississippi River and the ecological transition zone between the Eastern Woodlands and Prairie in our region. These and additional regional natural landscapes influenced the events that unfolded in the18th century and the founding of Chicago and the early days of Harlem, now Forest Park.
Illinois was recognized as a state in 1818, and the relationship of the people to the land shifted to one of real estate and property ownership. Leon Bourassa purchased the property we now know of as Forest Park, becoming the first landowner here. He was a man who was known as Metis, being both of French and Native American decent, like many other fur traders of the time including Archange Ouilmette (Wilmette name sake), Jean-Baptist Beaubien (Chicago), Jean Baptiste Point DuSable (Chicago) and Alexander Robinson (Naperville). He and his wife, Mnitoqua would have had many relationships for trade. Underscoring the importance of the land as real estate in the “new American West.”
Durkin Keating invited the audience to see Chicago — and its surrounding communities like Forest Park — as living, evolving entities. She traced the city’s transformation from early settlements to its emergence as a major metropolis, highlighting the interplay of social, economic, and cultural forces.
She focused on the often-overlooked narratives that contribute to the city’s complex tapestry. She shed light on the experiences of various communities, the impact of industrialization, and the significance of local landmarks. This inclusive approach resonated with attendees, many of whom saw their own histories reflected in her stories including a descendant of Mnitoqua and Leon Bourassa who was in attendance.
The event underscored the importance of public libraries as centers for lifelong learning and community engagement. By bringing in speakers like Durkin Keating, the Forest Park Public Library fosters a deeper understanding of our shared heritage and encourages ongoing dialogue about our collective future.
In a time when historical narratives are often contested or oversimplified, Durkin Keating’s talk served as a reminder of the value of thorough, empathetic scholarship. Her insights not only enriched our understanding of Chicago’s past but also highlighted the importance of and power of local history.
Known for her co-editorship of The Encyclopedia of Chicago and her deep dives into the city’s urban development, Keating brought a rich, nuanced perspective to the stories that have shaped the region.
She explained the layered relationships between people who lived here long ago and the geography of the area. She highlighted our area’s portage between the Great Lakes and the Des Plaines River which later connects to the Mississippi River and the ecological transition zone between the Eastern Woodlands and Prairie in our region. These and additional regional natural landscapes influenced the events that unfolded in the18th century and the founding of Chicago and the early days of Harlem, now Forest Park.
Illinois was recognized as a state in 1818, and the relationship of the people to the land shifted to one of real estate and property ownership. Leon Bourassa purchased the property we now know of as Forest Park, becoming the first landowner here. He was a man who was known as Metis, being both of French and Native American decent, like many other fur traders of the time including Archange Ouilmette (Wilmette name sake), Jean-Baptist Beaubien (Chicago), Jean Baptiste Point DuSable (Chicago) and Alexander Robinson (Naperville). He and his wife, Mnitoqua would have had many relationships for trade. Underscoring the importance of the land as real estate in the “new American West.”
Durkin Keating invited the audience to see Chicago — and its surrounding communities like Forest Park — as living, evolving entities. She traced the city’s transformation from early settlements to its emergence as a major metropolis, highlighting the interplay of social, economic, and cultural forces.
She focused on the often-overlooked narratives that contribute to the city’s complex tapestry. She shed light on the experiences of various communities, the impact of industrialization, and the significance of local landmarks. This inclusive approach resonated with attendees, many of whom saw their own histories reflected in her stories including a descendant of Mnitoqua and Leon Bourassa who was in attendance.
The event underscored the importance of public libraries as centers for lifelong learning and community engagement. By bringing in speakers like Durkin Keating, the Forest Park Public Library fosters a deeper understanding of our shared heritage and encourages ongoing dialogue about our collective future.
In a time when historical narratives are often contested or oversimplified, Durkin Keating’s talk served as a reminder of the value of thorough, empathetic scholarship. Her insights not only enriched our understanding of Chicago’s past but also highlighted the importance of and power of local history.
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who braved the frigid temperatures to join us in the warm and welcoming Forest Park Public Library for Amy Binns-Calvey’s wonderful talk on Edmonia Lewis and her connection to Forest Park. We’re excited to build on Amy’s incredible research to make this story even more accessible in the future. Special thanks to the Forest Park Public Library for co-hosting this meaningful Black History Month program with us!
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