The Hyde Park Historical Society’s Origins

Hyde Parkers have been active in sharing community history since the late 1880s. In 1913, the Inter Ocean Newspaper, ran an article recounting the second gathering of the “Hyde Park Old Settlers Association” where old pioneers of Hyde Park recalled their stories.

The Hyde Park Historical Society we know today began as the “Hyde Park-Kenwood Historical League” during 1975 and 1976. Through the collaborative efforts of Clyde Watkins, Tom Jensen, Leon Despres, Jean Block, Victoria Ranney, Thelma Dahlberg, Muriel Beadle, and others, the new organization acquired 5529 S. Lake Park Avenue. This building was originally a waiting room for cable cars. Hyde Park Historical Society was incorporated as an Illinois not-for-profit in 1978, and opened its renovated headquarters in 1980. The Society is active in the community and supported by some 300 members. The Hyde Park Historical Society stages exhibits, runs programs, publishes a newsletter, and collects historical materials for its archives.Throughout the years, countless Hyde parkers have dedicated their time to preserve the history of this once suburb.

In May 1976, at a community meeting, a former Hyde Park Historical President, Leon Depres, asked “Why do we, as Hyde Parkers, study the history of Hyde Park? We want to know accurately what the forces were that made Hyde Park good and great, so that we can accentuate those forces in our present and future.”

The Hyde Park Historical Society continues to to shape the community through valuing the past and using it to shape the present.

For More information about the Hyde Park Historical Society’s beginnings, Click Here to View a Brochure from a 1999 talk, on the “Pioneering Days of Hyde Park”