Classroom Inquiry-Based Learning modules
The Ridge Historical Society offers local educators a series of inquiry-based modules that bring local history into the classroom. These lessons are built from our museum exhibits, enabling students to investigate the development, culture, and stories of Beverly Hills, Morgan Park, Mount Greenwood, and Washington Heights.
These modules are designed for in-classroom learning or independent homework and cover a broad spectrum of local history, including:
- Louise Barwick’s Lost Ridge
- Blue Island Ridge Map and Geography
- 1899 Kite Aerial Photography Experiments
- The Underground Railroad and the Ridge
- Morgan Park 1889: Lost or Found?
- Mass-Market Houses as Historic Landmarks
- 1893 Columbian Exposition Arc Lamp Posts
- The Vanderpoel Block and the Art Association
- Ridge Park Field House History
- Village Vignettes by Jack Simmerling
To help you integrate these topics into your curriculum, we developed a guide with specific inquiry-based questions for each exhibit.
Download the Local History Topics for Inquiry-Based Learning Guide (PDF)
Please Note: To ensure the protection of copyrighted work used under fair use for educational purposes, our digital exhibits are password-protected. Educators are invited to contact the RHS administrative office to receive access credentials for their students.
Field Trips and Hosting
We are available to host your class for a field trip. Students can view our permanent exhibits at our headquarters, and with prior notice, we can swap out specific panels from recent past exhibits to support your current area of study. Please contact the RHS administrative office to coordinate any field trips.
National History Day exhibits
Every summer, the Ridge Historical Society celebrates the hard work of local students by hosting their National History Day projects. Students who have participated in history competitions are invited to bring their and exhibits to RHS to be shared with their families, classmates, and the public.
This program offers a wonderful opportunity for students to see their work on display in a museum setting and share their discoveries with the community. Student projects are featured during a summer kick-off event and often remain on display for visitors to enjoy throughout the season.