Volume 17 No. 3 | February 2022
"Reflections and Accomplishments of
African Americans," Sunday, February 27, 2022
Be sure to watch our YouTube program Sunday, February 27, 2022 launching at 2:30 p.m. "Reflections and Accomplishments of African Americans," part of our 50th Anniversary programming was originally filmed February 21, 1999 at Freedom Hall. The program includes panels and speakers on different aspects of African American life in Park Forest. Several families created display boards on the history and accomplishments of their families, and on educational/professional attainment. Primary organizers were Leonard and Yvonne Robinson with help from Roy and Bonita Dillard and others.  
A committee worked on "How We Entered, and When We Came," a book of documents on early integration in Park Forest. The book became part of the Park Forest Public Library archival collection, now maintained by the Park Forest Historical Society at 227 Monee Road. A copy is in the library and the original is in the Park Forest History Files with the Society.

The program will be launched on the YouTube channel, "Park Forest Historical Society" beginning at 2:30 p.m. February 27, 2022, and will remain on the channel indefinitely.
This program was digitized by Media Burn Archives with funds supplied by our supporters.


"Step Back into a
February 2– March 9, 2022
The Museum always tells the story of life here in the first five years, 1948-1953, and how Park Forest began. Museum hours are Wednesday and Saturday 1:00 to 3:30 p.m.; or at other times by appointment. Call or Facebook message if the weather looks iffy.
We do require masking by all and social distancing.
 
If you have not seen our Valentines display, or want to see it again, call a friend and come on out to the museum. We think it is very special. All that red can chase the February blues away!
 In February we will also have antique Valentines dating from 1888 up to the 1950s and vintage collectibles on display. This was a beautiful private collection donated to us.

The girls pictured above are in the midst of their school party at Forest Boulevard School. Visit our Facebook page to see more photos of the exhibit.

The next photo is just one display of vintage Valentines. Each desk has its own display. Two other tables have arrays of Valentines. there are special themed Valentines throughout the museum.
The last photo shows the antique Valentines we have selected for display.

We hope you all remain healthy and safe in these trying times.
Happy Valentines Day to you and your loved ones!
Read our Valentines Exhibit flier here.
LR Desk Valentines
china Valentine postgirl
Thank You for Your Generosity
The Park Forest Historical Society extends heartfelt thanks to all of our members and annual fund donors for the generosity you have shown to the Society in this challenging year.
You really are the best!
We will be working on our thank you notes, soon.
If you need your tax receipt before we get it to you, please contact Jane Nicoll.
Hall of Fame 2022

We know who the nominees are now,
but THEY are just finding out.
Watch for an announcement in our next mailing and watch our Facebook pages for names of those to be inducted.
The Hall of Fame Ceremony will be aired on YouTube on April 3, 2022 at 3 p.m. If we run into technical difficulties, it may be delayed by a few days.
Hall of Fame podium with flowers
We are selling, “Remembering Rich East,” DVD at the museum during open hours or by appointment. The DVD is $20 if picked up in person. It can be ordered via the website, www.parkforesthistory.org by clicking on the “Donate” button and paying $24.83 through PayPal. Please be sure to indicate the donation is for a “RE DVD.” You can also mail a check for $24.83 to “Park Forest Historical Society” and mail to us at 227 Monee Road, Park Forest, IL 60466. Be sure to include your name and mailing address.
  We have heard from some alumni that they really like the DVD. We certainly worked hard on it and spent a great deal making sure the school was filmed. We hired a photographer to go into the school with us in May 2020 to preserve images of the interior and exterior. More than 900 photographs and some video were taken. Jane Nicoll scanned early photos and brochures from the collection, and scans from the scrapbooks of Arnold DeLuca were included showing Prom Train articles, photos and more. 
A few versions of the Loyalty and Fight Songs were adde.
We hope you order one to enjoy.

Park Forest Historical Society| 708-481-4252 | www.parkforesthistory.org