Calendar

Open Thu-Sun. afternoon, included in tours of Pleasant Home which start at 12:30/1:30/2:30

This new fashion exhibit in the Historical Society’s museum on the second floor of Pleasant Home features nearly 20 dresses in shades of peach, pink, and white from the 1880s to the 1970s, and some fascinating accessories.  Selected by curator Sarah Najera from the collection. 

Researching Your River Forest Home—September 23--free

7:30 p.m., River Forest Public Library, co-sponsor River Forest Historic Preservation Commission

Historical Society Executive Director Frank Lipo shares his 15 years of experience in uncovering and deciphering the details about your home’s rich history. 

Children’s Day—September 28--free

1-4 p.m. in Pleasant Home and outside in Mills Park

Co-sponsor Park District of Oak Park, Wonder Works, and Pleasant Home Foundation.  Do your kids and grandkids wonder what life was like before video games and television? Show them 19^th century games and chores—from hoop-rolling to rug beating!  

Tale of the Tombstones Cemetery Walk—October 19--$15/$10

1 p.m. Forest Home Cemetery, 863 Des Plaines, Forest Park

The 17^th Annual Walking Tour features Untimely Endings, with actors portraying some of the fascinating people who are buried at Forest Home Cemetery. 

Job Opening

The Historical Society of Oak Park and River Forest is seeking a part-time administrative assistant to work up to 20 hours per week at its Oak Park headquarters. Hours are weekdays with occasional evenings and weekends. Position available September 2008. 

General Summary of Duties:

Provide administrative support to the Executive Director and perform a wide variety of detailed clerical and administrative tasks with minimum guidance. Position requires flexibility, organization, professionalism, service orientation, and ability to work well with others in a team environment.

Duties and responsibilities:
1. Perform a range of general office duties–answer phone calls and acknowledge e-mails; greet visitors; handle routine requests and make research appointments; assist with registration for events, membership mailings, and donation acknowledgements.

2. Provide a range of monthly reports to the Executive Director, including (but not limited to) number of visitors to the museum, number of researchers, gift shop sales, donations, event registrations. Using PastPerfect software, enter information and update member/donor/collection databases on a weekly basis.

3. Work with volunteers and committee/event chairpersons; support membership recruiting, fundraising, and program activities.

4. As needed, conduct tours of the museum and handle sales in the gift shop.

5. Update Website with event information, photographs, etc. 

Qualifications/Skills:

2–3 years of experience as an administrative assistant or secretary, preferably in a museum or not-for-profit setting; excellent communication (oral and written) skills; demonstrated proficiency in word processing and data entry; willingness to learn PastPerfect and Website update software; detail-oriented; strong organizational and interpersonal skills; interest in local history. Associate degree, internet experience a plus.  Starting pay is $12 per hour. The Historical Society is a not-for-profit organization and an equal opportunity employer.  Questions?  708-848-6755 or email to oprfhistorian@sbcglobal.net