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Worth Park District Historical Museum

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Images of Worth / Upcoming Program / Projects / Donations / Schedule a Tour / Links / Obituaries

 

The Worth Museum is located in the Terrace Centre and is open during regular office hours. Curator hours are from 8:30am-12:30pm Monday-Thursday and upon request.

To contact the Museum call Colleen McElroy at 708-448-7080 ext. 107 or by email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

 

Download the information request form.


Click here to see the History of Worth video

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Images of Worth 

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Images of America: Worth

 

The story of Worth is interwoven with generational volunteerism and small-town charm. The Crandall family that came to Lane's Island in 1858, named for early landowner DeWitt Lane, established the legacy of philanthropy that permeates today. Settlers in the town followed suit by donating land to establish the first school and church. The railroad expansion in 1880 brought a business district, residents, and the name Worth. By the early 1900s, Worth saw the opening of the racetrack to the east, construction of a new Cal Sag Channel to the south, and the establishment of the village in 1914. Every step of Worth's transformation, from agrarian life to a bustling blue-collar community, has been met with resistance to modernization, yet the spirit of camaraderie continues to grow. The 1940s and 1950s saw a boom in population and civic organizations. Many of these organizations exist today and add to Worth's reputation as the "Friendly Village."

 

There will be a book signing at the Park District's Open House On Thursday, May 17th from 6-8pm. 

Books will be available for purchase at the Park District on April 23rd for only $20 or order them through Arcadia Publishing at the link below:

Purchase Book by clicking here 

Upcoming Program 

The Civil War in the Southwest Suburbs

 

Join Civil War Historian Bruce Allardice as he discusses the History of the Civil War in the Southern Suburbs of Chicago. Professor Allardice offers a colorful and humorous overview of the Chicago area and the Civil War, touching on the home front as well as the soldiers. Allardice's book "Two Years Before the Paddlewheel" will be available for purchase. The book is the edited Civil War diary of Charles F. Gunther, an Illinosian who served on a Confederate steamboat and later earned millions selling candy.

Wednesday

Tuesday

April 23rd

7pm

Terrace Centre

 

 civil_war

 

Projects 

Oral History Project

The museum recognizes the importance of recording and preserving the story of residents of Worth. In order to provide a human factor to record history, the museum intends to keep a book of personal accounts on display. Any documentation, such as letters, newspaper clippings, photographs or other items that could be used as documentation of your written word may be used in future displays, museum exhibits and books. Oral history interviews can be done at your convenience and in your own home or meeting place of choice.

Please click here to fill out questionnaire or to look at sample questions.
 
History on Homes

Every home has a story and we would like to get a chance to hear yours. Our goal is to gather information on homes in Worth to ensure future generations a more complete record of the information, as many have a deep history in the village.  Please fill out this form to the best of your knowledge. Return completed form to the Worth Park District Museum along with a recent photo of your home. If you cannot provide a photo please indicate that you would like us to take one for you. Photos can be emailed to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Please click here to fill out an application form for your home.
 
From Well to Lake: A History of Water in the Village of Worth

Click on the link below to learn about the facts and figures of the Water Tower. Also included is a timeline of the history of the Water Tower project as well as a "did you know" portion. We would like to thank Wayne Demonbreun and Jerry Gunther who helped furnish valuable infomation for this project. Tours of the main pumping station are available by calling the Department of Public Works at 708-448-1181 or by visting www.villageofworth.com.

From Well to Lake Brochure

 
   

Donations 

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This autograph book was donated by Susan Lucas. The Autograph book belonged to her great grandmother Ida (Bishop) Lucas. The entries date from 1887-1889. The entries seen here were signed by members of the Lane Family. Prior to Worth's incorporation, it was known as "Lane's Island". These both used "Lane's Island" as their home.

  

If you would like to schedule a tour please  click here

 

Links 

Help support our museum by shopping online

At shopformuseums.com you can dontate to the museum by purchasing items through their website. Once registered with the site, you choose the museum you would like to shop for. Check out the what they have to offer by clicking on the link above or the logo below.

shopformuseumslogo

Here are some other links to check out

iam

www.state.il.us/hpa/iam

history_illinois

www.historyillinois.org

 

Obituaries 

A list of Obituaries is available by clicking here. The file is periodically updated and those listed here are indexed in our files. If you do not see someone listed or if you have obituary information available about a former resident, please contact the curator.

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