Current News

Join us on Saturday, May 16 for our popular event "Living History" at the Park Ridge History Center. See EVENTS below for details.

Coming to the Park Ridge History Center in spring 2026, a special exhibit on the "History of the Park Ridge Fire Department".  The exhibit will include items from the archives, including documents, uniforms, photos and more from the early days of the fire department.

The Park Ridge Historical Society is hosting two special events for the holidays. The first, "A Visit with Santa" is on December 6 & 7 from 1-3 p.m. in front of City Hall with a bright red fire truck! Bring your children and grandchildren for some great holiday pictures. This community event is FREE. On [...]

Did you ever wonder about the fountain for people and animals, on Northwest Highway next to Ritas's? Many things change over time in the name of progress and modernization. So, when the City of Park Ridge has something beautiful that has survived from a previous era, people tend to rally around it to protect its [...]

"Living History  World War II" returns to Park Ridge Saturday, May 17, 2025.  This event takes place in Prospect Park, adjacent to the History Center from 10am - 4 pm.  There will be a military encampment featuring Allied and Axis troops representing the European Theater of World War II along with other groups representing [...]

The Park Ridge History Center will reopen Saturday, April 12 for the 2025 season.  Our hours will be 11 am - 1 pm every second and fourth Saturday of the month.  This year's special exhibit will focus on Park Ridge schools throughout our history. Other areas of the museum include exhibits on Park Ridge [...]

The next program in our History Series "Captain Santa" will be on Thursday, December 12 at 7 p.m. in the O'Connor Community Building in Prospect Park.  Admission is $10 per adult, Park Ridge Historical Society members are FREE.

The Park Ridge Historical Society history series continues with: Strange Happenings - Thursday, October 17 Captain Santa - Thursday, December 12 Admission $10 (Members FREE) All programs will be held in the O'Connor Building in Prospect Park See EVENTS for more information.

Before the movie, Polar Express, visit with Santa on Park Ridge’s original 1934 Fire Truck. The movie will begin at dusk. This event is presented in partnership with the Park Ridge Park District. In the event of inclement weather, movies are shown indoors at the Paula Hassell O’Connor Community Building at Prospect Park. This event [...]

The Park Ridge History Center opens Saturday, April 13 for the 2024 season.  This year’s special exhibits are in honor of the 80th anniversary of D-Day.  The North Room will feature an exhibit on the elite 10th Mountain Division, and Frank Claire, Park Ridge resident and member of this division.  The South Room will [...]