Frank Lipo

Frank Lipo - Oak Park Historical Society - Oak Parker

Photographed above in the Tarzan exhibit in Pleasant Home (did you know author Edgar Rice Burroughs lived for many years in OP) Frank has led the Historical Society for more than 15 years. He has planned exhibits, assisted researchers, coordinated public programs, and worked with volunteers and staff to keep the society active.


In the OP community he also serviced for six years as a member of the Oak Park Historic Preservation Commission. In 2009, Frank was co-author of Suburban Promised Land: The Emerging Black Community in Oak Park, Illinois 1880-1980. In 2006, he was named a recipient of the Studs Terkel Humanities Service Award by the Illinois Humanities Council.



The next big move for The Historical Society is the renovation of the old firehouse on Lake St. The state just announced a $125,000 grant that will fund a new HVAC and fire protection system to help update the oldest public building in Oak Park, where at some point will be the new home to the Historical Society where Frank will keep us up to date on our local past.

Hey! maybe some of these portraits might end up there one day.