Olmsted Society of Riverside

Stewards of the Land and Olmsted’s Plan: In 1868, landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted and his partner, Calvert Vaux, were commissioned to plan a unique community just west of Chicago, Illinois. The result was Riverside, a beautiful community along the Des Plaines River, complete with curving lanes, abundant greenery, and gas street lights. One hundred years later, the Frederick Law Olmsted Society of Riverside was formed.

New Riverside Historic Marker: Historic Riverside, Illinois received National Landmark status in 1970, and has a robust local landmarking program. Now, its historic significance has been recognized by the Illinois State Historical Society. Since 1934, the state society has recognized more than 400 sites with national or state historical significance. Riverside now joins the list of prominent places that includes Springfield’s Old State Capitol, Lincoln’s law office, the Chicago Portage, Camp Douglas and more. orking with the Village of Riverside, the Olmsted Society of Riverside applied for the marker, and paid for its initial cost. “It’s been a great partnership,” says Cathy Maloney, who coordinated the program for the Olmsted Society. “The Village staff and Board of Trustees have been so receptive to the effort. Public Works helped find an ideal location and to install the sign.” The State of Illinois Historical Society, having approved the application, worked with the foundry to create the cast aluminum sign. Riverside will be added to the online state map of historical sites.

Upcoming Events

3/21 – Presentations Wanted DEAD !! Invasive Species

What's New

Please join us on January 16 at 7pm for our annual meeting followed by a presentation from David Oppenheimer at Riverside Township Hall. From Catesby to Audubon: Natural History Art and Olmsted’s Legacy of Nature. From Catesby to Audubon: American Natural History Art and Olmsted’s Vision of Landscape explores the parallel development of American natural history art and the nation’s evolving view of the natural world. This presentation will examine how 18th- and 19th-century artists and naturalists such as Mark Catesby, Alexander Wilson, and John James Audubon shaped the scientific and aesthetic foundations of American natural history illustration. In Riverside, that legacy endures in the names of its streets, including Michaux, Bartram, and Audubon, which honor naturalists whose work reflected the same respect for nature that guided Frederick Law Olmsted’s vision. This lecture connects their studies of American flora and fauna to Olmsted’s philosophy of landscape design, revealing how both art and landscape sought harmony between human life and the natural environment. Original historic artworks and artifacts from this period will be displayed during the presentation, offering a rare opportunity to experience firsthand the images and objects that helped define America’s relationship with nature. #audobonsociety

Happy New Year from The Olmsted Society of Riverside.

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Get Involved

Stewardship

We would love to have you join us to help preserve Olmsted’s legacy through volunteer work days to maintain our public lands, participation on special projects, and advocacy and historical research.

Learn

Education

Riverside is a unique and special place to live and visit and there is so much amazing history. We sponsor educational programs related to landscape design, architectural history, the environment, community history through tours, presentations, a curated Olmsted Collection at the Riverside Public library and on-line how to guides and resources.

Support

Community Engagement

The organization is 100% volunteer driven and there are great opportunities to support the community and have fun at the same time. It could be making a donation to support the preservation of Riverside's unique landscape in recognition of a loved one or sampling amazing local beers and wines at our largest community event, Hopstop, For members, our quarterly newsletter highlights the impact of our work and engagement with the community.