Ridge Historical Society at Open House Chicago

The Ridge Historical Society is located in the Graver-Driscoll House, a Tudor Revival-style manor house designed by architect John Todd Hetherington. It is set at the top of the Blue Island Ridge facing Longwood Drive with other mansions built between the 1880s and the 1920s. Built of brick and stone with a slate roof, the house has four levels including a full basement and attic, and an attached two-car garage. The walk-out terraces on the Longwood Drive side, nestled into the Ridge, blend the house into the natural terrain. A new exhibit celebrates the 50th Anniversary of the Ridge Historic District with large-format architectural photographs by Mati Maldre. Visitors can view the grounds from the Seeley Avenue entrance and down to Longwood Drive, step out onto the terraces, and imagine what life was like along Longwood Drive, home to many mansions built above the Blue Island Ridge. Three first floor spaces will be open to view: the entry hall, dining room, and living room, which is the main gallery space featuring the "50th Anniversary of the Ridge Historic District” exhibit. Visitors can pickup a guide to historic buildings in the Beverly - Morgan Park for a self guided tour, and short exterior tours will be offered every half hour.