Online History Resources
Timeline of Lake Forest History
An interactive timeline that highlights chronological milestones in Lake Forest’s past
Lake Forest/Lake Bluff Telephone Directory Databases
Transcriptions of historic Lake Forest/Lake Bluff telephone books - very helpful for genealogy or house history
City of Lake Forest Officials Database
Find all the Lake Forest aldermen, city managers, treasurers, city marshals and mayors, and the years of their terms
Lake Forest City CharterText from Lake Forest’s City Charter, approved in 1861, amended in 1869
Lake Forest Lodge 1026, Petitions for Membership and Degrees
A database of genealogical information taken from petitions for membership and degrees for Lake Forest Masonic Lodge 1026. The database includes names, birthdates, professions, employers, and addresses for each of nearly 300 petitioners born before 1913. The original documents are largely from the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s and are available in our archives. (For petitioners born in 1913 or later – there are nearly 200 more – visit the Historical Society to access the complete database.)
The Gazette - News of 1916, published in 2013 by the Historical Society
The Gazette is a recreated newspaper containing all the news of 1916, including a society column, photos of the construction of Market Square, news from the 1916 City Council, and a word search of names in the news. It was sent to all Lake Forest and Lake Bluff households in March 2013.
Stately Observers: Witness Trees of Lake Forest
Lake Forest history as told through some of its oldest trees. Includes current photos, historic photos and a map of tree locations.
Online ExhibitsOnline exhibits produced by Historical Society staff
Guide to Lake Forest MayorsLearn about the mayors of Lake Forest and the seminal events that occurred during their terms in office
