What is Local History?

Local History is a branch of the Oak Lawn Public Library responsible for preserving the community's history through artifact collection and preservation, oral history, exhibits, public programming, research and more.  We strive to make as much of Oak Lawn’s history available to the general public as possible, while offering a location where the community can come to discover its roots.

 

What you can do to help

Each individual has the ability to assist in the preservation of Oak Lawn’s history!  There are a number of ways to help including:

Donate or Loan Artifacts
We are looking for artifacts to add to our collection and use in future exhibits!  Items related to police, fire, schools, churches, government, civic organizations and businesses are welcome.  Donations to Local History ensure that your artifacts are stored and cared for properly.  If you have items to donate or loan, please contact Local History at 708-422-4990 or via email.

Participate in an Oral History Interview
Local History invites you to share your story by participating in our oral history project.  These interviews will cover different topics related to your life and experiences in Oak Lawn, and will be preserved for future generations to enjoy.  If you are interested in conducting an oral history interview, please contact Local History at 708-422-4990 or via email.

Volunteer
Would you like to help volunteer in Local History?  We are looking for hardworking individuals with a love of history to help us achieve our future goals.  Work is needed in collections care, exhibit preparation and other areas.  If you have a particular interest in digital video or photography, please submit this form to Local History.  Should you have any questions, please contact us at 708-422-4990 or via email.     

Conduct a Collections Search

Note to Database Users:  We are currently in the long term process of changing databases.  This project will be ongoing, and all of our Local History collection will eventually be located in the new database listed below.  For the time being, both the old and new will be searchable.  Thank you for your patience. 

Old Local History Database:

Search five general categories: photographs, documents, an index to our local newspapers, the full text of the minutes of recent meetings held by local governmental bodies, and an index to obituaries found in local newspapers.

Select a Category to Search Local Government Meeting Minutes Local History Documents Local History Photographs Local Newspapers Index Local Obituaries Index Village Ordinances

 

New Local History Database:

Click here to view our new Local History database!  Currently, the database contains yearbooks, budgets, matchbooks, postcards, cookbooks, annual reports, telephone books, photographs, maps, and more!  There will be new items added weekly.  If there are any issues or problems that arise when using the new database, please contact the Local History Coordinator Kevin Korst at 708-422-4990 or by email. 

   

Interactive Historic Oak Lawn Map

Click here to view our interactive historic Oak Lawn map!  Visit over seventy different locations from throughout Oak Lawn's history and see how many you remember! 

 

Digital Exhibits

Then and Now: An Oak Lawn Story (2009 Exhibit) - Click here to view the photograph exhibit, and see how much Oak Lawn has changed over the last century! 

 

Researching Your Oak Lawn Home

Have you ever wanted to research your home but were not sure how?  Click here to find out what steps to take to begin your search!   

 

Local History Videos

Click here to view videos of Oak Lawn from the 1940s to the present!  There are clips of Round-Up Days, 95th Street, the 1967 Tornado, Library events and more! 

 

Exhibits, Events and Programming

History Alive: Preserving the Buildings of Oak Lawn's Past (Exhibit)

Open until early 2011: Come and view our new exhibit focusing on nineteen historic structures throughout Oak Lawn including the Auschwitz House, Keyhole House, Covington School and more!  See artifacts and photographs related to Oak Lawn's many historic homes, schools and churches.  This exhibit will be on display in the Local History Room located on the Library's second floor.

Local History Group

September 18th 9 am: Come join the Local History group as we discuss different history related topics about Oak Lawn.  Share stories, experiences, and knowledge in a fun and relaxed atmosphere.  The Local History Group meets once a month, please contact Local History at 708-422-4990 or via email for more information.

Oak Lawn's Historic Structures (Presentation)

October 26th 7 pm: Join Local History Coordinator Kevin Korst for an in-depth review of the "History Alive" exhibit now on Display in the Local History Room.  Learn about 19 historic structures throughout Oak Lawn including the Auschwitz House, Keyhole House, Covington School and more! 

 

DVD's

These DVD's are on sale year-round at the first floor library reception booth for $15.00 each.  Your may pay by cash or check made payable to: Oak Lawn Community Library Foundation.  The purchase price of each DVD includes a $10.00 tax-deductible donation to the Oak Lawn Community Library Foundation.     

1967 Oak Lawn Tornado 40th Anniversary: Where were you when the devastating tornado ripped through Oak Lawn at 5:27 p.m. April 21st, 1967?  This narrated 27-minute DVD slide show features photographs, video clips and a live sound recording of that deadly storm from the library's Local History collection.  The material was originally presented to the public at a library program held in April 2007.

1967 Oak Lawn Tornado 40th Anniversary Open Mic: Do you remember that fateful day?  This two-hour DVD features the firsthand experiences of 1967 tornado survivors.  Twenty-four individuals came forth to share their memories at an open mic forum held at the Oak Lawn Public Library on Sunday, April 22, 2007. 

2009 Village of Oak Lawn Centennial: Remember the Village of Oak Lawn Centennial for years to come!  This 52-minute commemorative DVD slide show features an informative narrative with photos, sound recordings and video clips of historic figures, 95th Street, Oak Lawn Round-Up Days and the 1967 Tornado.  Learn about the first 100 years of Oak Lawn's growth and development.