Today, as in the past, we have been a convenient, welcoming center for our neighbors near and far with . . .

• Informational, educational and cultural programs that enrich and benefit the public from October to May.
• Projects that have and continue to reduce the burden on our community through volunteer efforts throughout our history during wars, recessions and the Great Depression (visit our Green and Charitable History pages for more info).
• Provision of our lovely building at reduced rates and/or at no cost for area nonprofits acting to improve and benefit our communities.
  

We proudly draw attention to the fact that since our own founding in 1891, we have been an incubator for the founding of many of the other social service organizations that serve our surrounding communities.

What else do we do?

• For over 75 years the Social Welfare sewing group has helped local hospitals and social agencies by sewing, knitting and crocheting many thousands of blankets and clothing for needy newborns, infants, toddlers, teens and adults.
• Through our Benevolence Trust we help other local not-for-profit organizations by funding specific projects benefiting our fellow citizens and communities.
• Since 1951 the Scholarship Trust has distributed multiple yearly scholarships through our local public high school to enable students to attend college.
  

Everyone connected with the Nineteenth Century Club is motivated by a desire to benefit the individuals we serve with our programs and the community as a whole. The charitable and cultural activities promoted by the Club exist solely due to our dedicated volunteers.

JOIN US TODAY! Interested in joining our historic not-for-profit organization and making a difference? Since 1891 we have served the community in a variety of ways locally and regionally. Membership is open to all who are interested in helping support the charitable, educational and cultural activities promoted by the Club.

The Club is centrally located in the Chicagoland area at 178 Forest Avenue, Oak Park, Illinois. Our nearby neighbors in Oak Park are the Frank Lloyd Wright Home & Studio and the Ernest Hemingway Museum and Birthplace.

Our building serves as a collection center for our GO GREEN initiative – the collection of recyclable/reusable products. These efforts have already significantly reduced the number of items which are hazardous in the wastestream, reduced the burden on municipal garbage collections, made consumer goods, (such as glasses and cell phones), available for extended use or harvesting for reuse (e.g., toner cartridges), and raised funds directed to local charitable activities.

Computer Recycling (2/1 to 4/30/09) was again a huge success! TWO truckloads were recycled.

President Sherlynn Reid welcomes you!

Ever since the Club was established in 1891 by a group of 12 women who had the foresight to realize that education and civic involvement were essential elements in building a community, every President and member has endeavored to continue that fine tradition. Thousands of members have chosen to make a commitment to social responsibility and lifelong learning. They have done so by committing their time and talent to charitable opportunities at the Club and providing weekly programs focusing on the arts, music, literature and social science that are available to the public.   President's letter continued . . . .