Curtain Call for History: Edgewater Celebrates 100 Years of Local Theatre — And You're Invited
By Socialhood News · Il/Chicago/Edgewater ·
Edgewater has long been one of Chicago's most theatrically rich neighborhoods, and this summer the Edgewater Historical Society is making sure nobody forgets it. The EHS is running a sweeping exhibit celebrating more than a century of local stage history — spotlighting the more than 50 theatre companies that have called Edgewater home over the past 100 years. The exhibit features playbills, posters, costumes, photos, artifacts, video interviews, and even a children's corner of exploration, offering something for curious minds of every age.
Tying directly into the exhibit, the EHS has been hosting its ongoing Evening Salon Series throughout 2026, bringing neighbors face-to-face with some of the neighborhood's most beloved active theatre companies. Past salons this year have featured Rivendell Theatre, City Lit Theatre, Babes with Blades, and a deep dive into puppetry and masks — with more installments still to come. It's a living, breathing complement to the exhibit on the walls, connecting Edgewater's storied past to the artists shaping its future right now.
Meanwhile, the Edgewater Branch Library (6000 N. Broadway) is adding another layer of community warmth this month with its Memory Café on Friday, August 21 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. — a welcoming monthly gathering for neighbors living with memory loss, their caregivers, friends, and community allies, featuring games, arts and crafts, music, and socialization. Whether you're a theatre buff or looking for a meaningful way to connect with neighbors, Edgewater is delivering on both fronts. Visit edgewaterhistory.org and chipublib.org for details.
Sources:
1. https://www.edgewaterhistory.org/ehs/
2. https://allevents.in/chicago/edgewater
3. https://chipublib.bibliocommons.com/v2/events?q=edgewater
4. https://www.edgewaterobserver.com/