Chicago Southland CVB - Visitors - Culture and History

Culture
Fine and performing arts centers are located throughout the Chicago Southland. The region is home to many art galleries, theatre groups, and an internationally recognized sculpture park. For big-name entertainment, the First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre, formerly the Tweeter Center in Tinley Park hosts the top entertainers in rock and pop music. On any given weekend during the theatre season, there's sure to be a Broadway-quality production at one of the Southland's many regional theaters.

Whatever your cultural preference, you'll find what you're looking for in the Chicago Southland!

History
The Chicago Southland boasts over 20 historical societies and special-interest museums that let you explore our region's rich and colorful history. Many Southland communities hold heritage festivals and other events highlighting the region's glorious past.

In our country's early history, the Chicago Southland area - crisscrossed by waterways and Native American trails - was explored by adventurers looking for an easier way to get to the Mississippi River and points west. They found what they were looking for and to this day, the Chicago Southland remains the crossroads of the nation!

The Chicago Southland: rich in history and tradition!

Below are all of the listings for Culture and History in the Chicago Southland Area.

CHICAGO SOUTHLAND ARTS ALLIANCE (ARTS ORGANIZATION)
Governors Highway & University Parkway | University Park, IL 60484 | (708) 235-2239
Promotes the arts in the Chicago Southland and provides information about upcoming arts events.
Days/Hours: M-F 9AM-5PM
Area 5

AMERICAN DANCE CENTER BALLET (DANCE ENTERTAINMENT AND EDUCATION)
10464 West 163rd Place | Orland Park, IL 60467 | (708) 747-0424
A nationally recognized company performing all styles of dance for community and corporate shows. Selected Illinois Delegate to World Olympics and International Dance Festival.
Days/Hours: Call for hours of operation.
Area 2

FREEDOM HALL (FINE AND PERFORMING ARTS CENTERS)
410 Lakewood Boulevard | Park Forest, IL 60466 | (708) 747-0580
Freedom Hall offers a diverse series accenting dance, music, theatre, popular attractions, children's theatre and outreach activities. Join us in the intimate 287-seat Nathan Manilow Theatre.
Days/Hours: M,Tu,Th,F 11AM-4PM; Sa 9AM-1PM (Available for rental seven days a week)
Area 3 , , $

MORAINE VALLEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE FINE & PERFORMING ARTS CENTER (FINE AND PERFORMING ARTS CENTERS)
9000 West College Parkway | Palos Hills, IL 60465 | (708) 974-5500
The Fine and Performing Arts Center presents quality cultural programs and popular entertainment in the intimate 600-seat Dorothy Menker Theater. Contact our box office for current offerings.
Days/Hours: Box Office: M-F 10AM-5PM; Summer & Holiday hours vary.
Area 1 , , $

THE CENTER FOR PERFORMING ARTS AT GOVERNORS STATE UNIVERSITY (FINE AND PERFORMING ARTS CENTERS)
Governors Highway & University Parkway | University Park, IL 60484 | (708) 235-2238
Chicago Southland's grandest performing arts center at Governors State University, in University Park, features a wide array of world class attractions, children and family programming.
Days/Hours: M-Sa 10AM-4PM
Area 5 , , $

FLOSSMOOR SCULPTURE GARDENS (GALLERIES)
Sculptures placed throughout Flossmoor, 2800 Flossmoor Road | Flossmoor, IL 60422 | (708) 798-2300
The Flossmoor Sculpture Gardens is a public art program that places works of art in Flossmoor's village square, along charming residential streets, and in the Flossmoor Garden & Sculpture Park.
Days/Hours: M-Su Dawn-Dusk
Area 3 ,

NATHAN MANILOW SCULPTURE PARK (GALLERIES)
Governors State University, Governors Highway and University Parkway | University Park, IL 60484 | (708) 534-4486
Explore the nature of sculpture. Sited across 100 acres of rolling prairie landscape, this 26-piece collection features monumental works by di Suvero, Hunt, Puryear, and others.
Days/Hours: M-Su Dawn-Dusk; Group tours by reservation.
Area 5

UNION STREET GALLERY & STUDIO COMPLEX (GALLERIES)
1527 Otto Boulevard | Chicago Heights, IL 60411 | (708) 754-2601
Union Street Gallery exhibits regional artists, bi-annually hosts national juried art exhibits with 18 artists' studios complimenting the experience. Tours and field trips encouraged. Free admission.
Days/Hours: W,Th,F,Sa 12PM-4PM, 2nd Fridays 6PM-9PM
Area 3

SOUTH SUBURBAN HERITAGE ASSOCIATION (HISTORICAL INFORMATION CENTER)
Box 917 | Homewood, IL 60430 | (708) 798-9535
The South Suburban Heritage Association organizes conferences, workshops and promotes area history. Historical publication available. Resource for information on southern suburbs and local history.
Area 3

ALSIP HISTORICAL SOCIETY (HISTORICAL SOCIETIES)
4500 West 123rd Street | Alsip, IL 60803 | (708) 385-6902
Area 2

BEECHER COMMUNITY HISTORICAL SOCIETY (HISTORICAL SOCIETIES)
673 Penfield, Box 1469 | Beecher, IL 60401 | (708) 946-6218
Area 3

BLUE ISLAND HISTORICAL SOCIETY (HISTORICAL SOCIETIES)
13018 Maple Avenue | Blue Island, IL 60406 | (708) 371-8546
Area 2

BRIDGEVIEW HISTORICAL COMMISSION (HISTORICAL SOCIETIES)
7718 Thomas Avenue | Bridgeview, IL 60455 | (708) 496-1254
Area 1

CALUMET CITY HISTORICAL SOCIETY (HISTORICAL SOCIETIES)
Box 1917 | Calumet City, IL 60409 | (708) 832-9390
An 1836 log cabin is located in Veteran's Park at Burnham & 167th (Heritage Drive) where our annual festival in September is held with entertainment & food. Our museum at 760 Wentworth Avenue, Calumet City, Illinois has exhibits of local interest.
Area 4 ,

CHICAGO HEIGHTS HISTORIC PRESERVATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE (HISTORICAL SOCIETIES)
c/o Chicago Heights Public Library, 25 West 15th Street | Chicago Heights, IL 60411 | (708) 754-5299
Area 3 ,

CRETE AREA HISTORICAL SOCIETY (HISTORICAL SOCIETIES)
Box 454 | Crete, IL 60417 | (708) 672-5200
Area 4

DOLTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY (HISTORICAL SOCIETIES)
Historic Bachmann House, 1010 East 145th Street | Dolton, IL 60419 | (773) 814-4520
Area 4

FRANKFORT AREA HISTORICAL SOCIETY (HISTORICAL SOCIETIES)
132 Kansas Street, Box 546 | Frankfort, IL 60423 | (815) 469-6541
Area 5

GLENWOOD HISTORICAL SOCIETY (HISTORICAL SOCIETIES)
c/o 409 Clark Street | Glenwood, IL 60425 | (708) 758-5247
Area 4

HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF GREATER PEOTONE (HISTORICAL SOCIETIES)
Box 88 | Peotone, IL 60468 | (815) 932-0146
Area 5

HOMEWOOD HISTORICAL SOCIETY (HISTORICAL SOCIETIES)
2035 West 183rd Street | Homewood, IL 60430 | (708) 799-1896 (Museum)
Area 3 , , $

LANSING HISTORICAL SOCIETY & MUSEUM (HISTORICAL SOCIETIES)
Lansing Library-Lower Level, 2750 Indiana Avenue | Lansing, IL 60438 | (708) 474-6160
Days/Hours: M 6PM-8PM; W 3PM-5PM; Sa 10AM-12PM
Area 4

MIDLOTHIAN HISTORICAL SOCIETY (HISTORICAL SOCIETIES)
14609 Springfield Avenue | Midlothian, IL 60445 | (708) 389-0055
Area 2 ,

MUSEUM OF THE MATTESON HISTORICAL SOCIETY (HISTORICAL SOCIETIES)
813 School Avenue | Matteson, IL 60443 | (708) 748-3033
Days/Hours: Tu & F 2PM-4PM; Other times by appointment
Area 5 ,

NEW LENOX AREA HISTORICAL SOCIETY (HISTORICAL SOCIETIES)
205 West Maple Street, Suite NLAHS | New Lenox, IL 60451 | (815) 485-5576
Schmuhl School - One-room school house and future museum. "Live a day in the life of a one-room school."
Area 5

ORLAND HISTORICAL SOCIETY (HISTORICAL SOCIETIES)
Box 324 | Orland Park, IL 60462 | (708) 349-0065

Area 2

PALOS HISTORICAL SOCIETY (HISTORICAL SOCIETIES)
12332 Forest Glen Boulevard | Palos Park, IL 60464 | (708) 361-3118
Area 1

PARK FOREST HISTORICAL SOCIETY (HISTORICAL SOCIETIES)
400 Lakewood Boulevard | Park Forest, IL 60466 | (708) 481-4252
The Museum at 141 Forest Boulevard recreates an original rental town home, with a classroom. A guide tells the history of this post World War II fully planned community. Research collection assistance available; see website for details.
Days/Hours: M-Th 10AM-9PM; F 10AM-6PM; Sa 10AM-5PM. Museum Hours: Sa 1PM-3PM or by appointment. Group and school tours available. Closed January.
Area 3 ,

RIVERDALE HISTORICAL SOCIETY (HISTORICAL SOCIETIES)
208 West 144th Street | Riverdale, IL 60827 | (708) 841-3311

Area 4

ROBBINS HISTORICAL SOCIETY (HISTORICAL SOCIETIES)
Box 1561 | Robbins, IL 60472 | (708) 389-5393
Area 2

SOUTH HOLLAND HISTORICAL SOCIETY AND MUSEUM (HISTORICAL SOCIETIES)
16250 Wausau Avenue, Lower Level | South Holland, IL 60473 | (708) 596-2722

Area 4 ,

SOUTH SUBURBAN GENEALOGICAL & HISTORICAL SOCIETY & LIBRARY (HISTORICAL SOCIETIES)
3000 West 170th Place | Hazel Crest, IL 60429 | (708) 335-3340
Area 3

STEGER HISTORICAL SOCIETY (HISTORICAL SOCIETIES)
54 East 31st Street | Steger, IL 60475 | (708) 755-3724
Area 3

THORNTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY (HISTORICAL SOCIETIES)
114 North Hunter Street | Thornton, IL 60476 | (708) 877-6569
Area 4 ,

TINLEY PARK HISTORICAL SOCIETY (HISTORICAL SOCIETIES)
6727 West 174th Street | Tinley Park, IL 60477 | (708) 429-4210
Area 6

WILL COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY (HISTORICAL SOCIETIES)
803 South State Street | Lockport, IL 60441 | (815) 838-5080
Days/Hours: MUSEUM Tu-Su 12PM-4PM
Outside the Chicago Southland

WORTH PARK DISTRICT HISTORICAL MUSEUM (HISTORICAL SOCIETIES)
11500 South Beloit | Worth, IL 60482 | (708) 448-7080 x107
Area 1

1950s PARK FOREST HOUSE MUSEUM (MUSEUMS)
141 Forest Boulevard | Park Forest, IL 60466 | (708) 481-4252
Step back into the 1950s in an original townhome full of dolls, toys, clothes and furnishings in the first fully-planned post-World War II suburb.
Days/Hours: Sa 1PM-3PM
Area 3 , $

GREAT LAKES WING - COMMEMORATIVE AIR FORCE (MUSEUMS)
630 Winston Drive | Elk Grove Village, IL 60007 | (219) 865-6233
Restore and preserve in flying condition WW II combat aircraft of all US military services for the education and enjoyment of present and future generations.
Days/Hours: Varies
Outside the Chicago Southland

PULLMAN HISTORIC DISTRICT (MUSEUMS)
11141 South Cottage Grove Avenue | Chicago, IL 60628 | (773) 785-8181 (Office)
Pullman Historic District, a 1880s model industrial town has guided tours, May thru October. Annual house walk second weekend in October. Group Tours available. Visitor Center open year-round.
Days/Hours: M-Sa 11AM-2PM; Su 12PM-3PM
Outside the Chicago Southland , , $

PULLMAN STATE HISTORIC SITE (MUSEUMS)
11111 South Forestville Avenue | Chicago, IL 60628 | (773) 660-2341
Tour availability of the 1881 Hotel Florence and Pullman Factory site are subject to change. Please call or link to www.pullman-museum.org for the most up-to-date information.
Days/Hours: Varies
Outside the Chicago Southland ,

ILLIANA JAZZ (MUSICAL ENTERTAINMENT)
Box 1459 | Oak Park, IL 60304 | (708) 672-3561
Illiana Jazz presents monthly concerts featuring outstanding jazz musician as common meeting ground for lovers of Traditional Jazz, Ragtime, Swing and Big Band Music. Concerts held at Glendora House, 10225 South Harlem Avenue, Chicago Ridge, one Sunday each month.
Days/Hours: One Sunday per month: 2PM-5:30PM
Area 1

ILLINOIS PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA (ORCHESTRA)
377 Artists Walk | Park Forest, IL 60466 | (708) 481-7774
The 75-member Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra, led by Music Director Carmon DeLeone, is the largest performing arts organization in the Chicago Southland providing professional, orchestral music of beauty and excellence. The Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra performs at Lincoln-Way North High School, 19900 South Harlem Avenue, Frankfort and Lincoln-Way East High School, 201 Colorado Avenue, Frankfort.
Days/Hours: (Office Hours) M-F 9AM-5PM; Call for concert schedule.
Area 5 , , $

TOYOTA PARK (SPORT AND ENTERTAINMENT VENUE)
Toyota Park Drive, 7000 South Harlem Avenue | Bridgeview, IL 60455 | (708) 594-7200
Home to Chicago Fire and Chicago Red Stars soccer teams TOYOTA PARK is a world-class stadium and concert venue located southwest of Chicago, near I-294 & I-55. Recent acts include Dave Matthews Band, Kenny Chesney, Jimmy Buffett, Eric Clapton, Phish and more!
Days/Hours: M-F 9AM-5PM, and event days
Area 1 , , $

COUNTRY CLUB HILLS THEATER (THEATRES)
4200 West 183rd Street (Box Office) | Country Club Hills, IL 60478 | (708) 798-2616 Ext. 2260
Welcome to the Country Club Hills Theater. Suited within the City's municipal complex. The venue is the first municipally owned outdoor theater in the Midwest.
Days/Hours: (Box Office) M 9AM-8PM; Tu-F 8AM-5PM, Sa 8AM-12PM
Area 3 ,

DRAMA GROUP (THEATRES)
Box 594, 330 West 202nd Street | Chicago Heights, IL 60411 | (708) 755-3444
The Best Community Theatre! The Drama Group has been producing six fabulous yearly shows in the Chicago Southland for over 75 years. Call for tickets.
Days/Hours: (Box Office) M,W,F 7PM-10PM
Area 3 , , $

FIRST MIDWEST BANK AMPHITHEATER (THEATRES)
19100 South Ridgeland Avenue, (Oak Park Avenue) Box 189 | Tinley Park, IL 60477 | (708) 614-1616
Beautiful outdoor music theatre open May through September with a capacity of just under 30,000 people. Concessions and private catering available; tour buses welcome.
Days/Hours: M-Su 24 hours a day (Ticket Sales)
Area 6 , , $

FREEDOM HALL (THEATRES)
410 Lakewood Boulevard | Park Forest, IL 60466 | (708) 747-0580
Freedom Hall offers a diverse series accenting dance, music, theatre, popular attractions, children's theatre and outreach activities. Join us in the intimate 287-seat Nathan Manilow Theatre.
Days/Hours: (Office Hours) M,Tu,Th,F 11AM-4PM; Sa 9AM-1PM (Available for rental seven days a week)
Area 3 , , $

THE CENTER FOR PERFORMING ARTS AT GOVERNORS STATE UNIVERSITY (THEATRES)
Governors Highway & University Parkway | University Park, IL 60484 | (708) 235-2222
Chicago Southland's grandest performing arts center at Governors State University, in University Park, features a wide array of world class attractions, children and family programming.
Days/Hours: M-Sa 10AM-4PM
Area 5 , , $