Highland Park Historical Society is being spotlighted on the Ruth Fell Wander Community Art Wall located in the lobby of First Bank of Highland Park. The new exhibit, located in the bank's lobby, offers the community a look into the vital work the Historical Society performs to preserve the city’s distinctive past.
Re-formed in 1966 in anticipation of the City's centennial, the Highland Park Historical Society is dedicated to being the primary custodian of the community’s shared heritage. Their mission is clear: to preserve the community’s past, inspire an appreciation of its history and culture, and share the rich history of Highland Park, Illinois, with both the community and scholars.
The Historical Society serves as a dynamic resource for research and engagement, offering various programs that bring the past to life:
- Educational Outreach: Throughout the year, the Society hosts lectures and educational events at their historic sites, such as the Stupey Cabin (Highland Park’s oldest standing structure), and throughout the wider community. They also conduct Educational Field Trips and provide Teacher Toolkits by appointment, making local history accessible to students and educators.
- Local History Collections: This collection documents the distinct, diverse community of Highland Park and its inhabitants. It includes government records, organizational records, family interviews, personal papers, correspondence, and extensive photography collections, as well as maps. These invaluable resources are maintained and made available in both digital and physical formats, serving as a critical community collaboration tool.
The Highland Park Historical Society exhibit is located in the bank lobby and will be open to the public during regular business hours throughout the month of December. For more information about Highland Park Historical Society or to sign-up for their newsletter, visit https://highlandparkhistory.com/ or follow them on Facebook.
ABOUT RUTH FELL WANDER COMMUNITY ART WALL
The Ruth Fell Wander Community Art Wall was created in 2002 in memory of Bank Director, Ruth Fell Wander. The art wall showcases novice artwork from local non-profit organizations and provides visibility to the various resources and services offered throughout the community. For more information call 847-432-7800 or visit www.firstbankhp.com.
ABOUT FIRST BANK OF HIGHLAND PARK
First Bank of Highland Park, a Division of First Bank Chicago, provides full-service banking solutions for commercial and consumer clients throughout Chicagoland. With over 65 years of banking history, First Bank ranks as one of the five largest privately held banks in Chicago. Our experienced bankers utilize our personal service model to provide customized banking solutions without the bureaucracy of the megabanks. First Bank’s deep culture of caring includes giving time, talent, and resources to all corners of our community. Our bank has been recognized as one of the “Best Places to Work” by Crain’s Chicago Business for 8 consecutive years (2018-2025). In 2024, First Bank was recognized by American Banker as the #1 “Best Bank to Work For”. To learn more about the First Bank of Highland Park, visit www.firstbankhp.com.
