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 Agreement and Reproduction form.
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 Laurie Skinner, 847/432-0216 ext. 207 or via email at lskinner@hplibrary.org
Contact Information and Reader Services
| Highland Park Local Newspapers | Digital copies of local newspapers from 1874 - 1951 |
| Historical Photos on Flickr | Early photos of Highland Park from the Library's Historical Files |
| Jesse Lowe Smith Diaries | (1888 - 1934) |
| Jesse Lowe Smith Photo Collection | |
| Telephone Directories | (1908 - 1913) |
| Civil War Veterans | |
| "Highland Park Number" Real Estate and Building Journal, January 2, 1909 | (incomplete) |
| Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps | (1900-1929) |
| 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 |
| Deerfield-Shields and Highland Park High School Annuals 1912-1935 | Funded by the Friends of the Library Research Guides |
