Welcome to the Edgewater Historical Society

"The Edgewater Historical Society was founded in January of 1988 to involve the community in the research, documentation, collection and preservation of Edgewater History; promote the study, sharing and enjoyment of that history; and promote the preservation of landmarks and historical structures."

A Brief History

Founded in January 1988, the Edgewater Historical Society grew out of the 1986 Edgewater Centennial and now works to research, document, and preserve the neighborhood's history.

Edgewater, a Chicago community of 58,000 bordered by Lake Michigan, Foster, Ravenswood, and Devon, was founded in 1886 by developer John L. Cochran and sits on the traditional homelands of the Ojibwe, Odawa, and Potawatomie Nations. Governed by a board of up to 21 directors, the Society has had just four presidents: Kathy Gemperle, Betty Mayian, Robert Remer, and John Holden.

Programs & Services

The Edgewater Historical Society offers a variety of programs that celebrate the neighborhood's past. The museum features rotating exhibits, and the annual Home Tour showcases the architecture and stories of local residences.

EHS also supports research, documentation, and preservation efforts, hosts community events and lectures, and publishes annual reports to share its ongoing work.