The collections include books, manuscripts, maps, photographs, newspapers, scrapbooks, records of local organizations and local government records, and related materials documenting Highland Park history from the 1800s to the present, including resources on Ravinia, Fort Sheridan, and the surrounding area. Archives and Local History collections are for use at the Library only and cannot be borrowed. The Archivist and the Information and Reader Services Librarians will assist you. Photocopying or other reproduction of Archives & Local History materials may be restricted. Please read the Reproduction and Use Agreement.
Research Assistance:
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Information and Reader Services
- 847-681-7031
- hppla@hplibrary.org
Research assistance is available all hours that the library is open
Monday - Thursday: 9 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Friday: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Sunday: 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Search the:
Archives and Local History Collections catalog
Search by subject for "Highland Park (Ill.)" in the general catalog.
Other local history resources:
Highland Park Local Newspapers - A digital collection of local newspapers for Highland Park from 1874 through 1922.
Jesse Lowe Smith Diaries (1888 - 1934)
Jesse Lowe Smith Photo Collection
Telephone Directories (1908 - 1913)
"Highland Park Number" Real Estate and Building Journal, January 2, 1909 (incomplete)
Historical Sketch of Highland Park - From the Highland Park Code of 1919
Notes on History of Highland Park, Illinois - Published by the North Shore Chapter of the D.A.R. 1920
Research Guides:
How to Research Your Highland Park House
Donating to the archives and local history collections:
The Jesse Lowe Smith Historical Room was established in 1934 and contains thousands of documents donated by organizations and families through the years. Researchers from around the world have studied these records to understand the history of the community, its businesses, schools, organizations, religious life and social events.
Your personal and family records provide vital and unique information about the history of local families and the community. Please consider a donation of the following types of materials:
Personal and Family Papers:
Letters, diaries, scrapbooks/albums, memoirs/ reminiscences, photographs, legal documents, awards, certificates, and diplomas, brochures, flyers, and invitations, films, videotapes and audiotapes and genealogical information.
Organization/Business/Club Records:
Articles of incorporation/constitution/bylaws, correspondence, planning documents, architectural records, minutes of meetings, reports, newsletters, directories, financial documents, and membership records.
We know these materials are important to you. If you’d like to retain the original documents, Library staff may be able to scan digital copies.
For more information, please contact Julia A. Johnas, Director of Adult Services, 847/432-0216, x 110 or jjohnas.hppl@gmail.com
A gift to the Library is a gift to the community.