Nineteenth Century Charitable Organization: Oak Park's Event Space Built On Heart

A Short look into Oak Park's Event Space Built On Heart

In the heart of Oak Park, where historic charm meets a vibrant sense of community, there’s a venue that quietly holds stories, celebrates connection, and welcomes everyone who walks through its doors as family. The Nineteenth Century Charitable Organization isn’t your typical event space—and it doesn’t try to be.

Housed in a building over a century old, this nonprofit venue is rooted in legacy and love. Founded more than 125 years ago as a women’s club—where members once gathered in each other’s basements to exchange ideas and organize civic efforts—it has blossomed into a beacon of generosity and togetherness. Today, it serves not just as an event venue, but as a testament to what a strong, compassionate community can create when it works together.

Where Community Is the True Centerpiece

Ask anyone involved with the Nineteenth Century Charitable Organization what makes it stand out, and they’ll tell you without hesitation: the people. From the four-person full-time staff to the 300+ members and numerous volunteers, this place thrives on a shared sense of purpose. That camaraderie shines through in every event they host—whether it’s a wedding, a lecture, or a fundraiser for local students.

“Great organization, great people.” - John "Woody" Linton, Private Events General Manager

It’s like a family of good people who just want to see the organization thrive, and that energy is contagious. It creates an environment where guests immediately feel welcomed and appreciated, where vendors become friends, and where hosts can trust they’re in caring, capable hands.

But the impact of this organization extends far beyond the events themselves. Every year, it awards scholarships to four graduating seniors from Oak Park River Forest High School—scholarships that follow them through all four years of college. The funds are flexible, supporting everything from tuition to textbooks to housing and anything in between. It’s a gesture of support that mirrors the very essence of the organization: thoughtful, ongoing, and deeply personal.

A Home with History

Walking into the Nineteenth Century Charitable Organization feels less like stepping into a venue and more like being invited into someone’s lovingly cared-for home. There’s a warmth in the woodwork, a gentleness in the light that pours through the windows, and a timeless elegance in the décor that has gracefully endured the years.

Ernest Hemingway’s mother was one of the original members—just one thread in the rich tapestry of Oak Park history woven into this space. Today, the building still feels like a sanctuary of stories, echoing with conversations, laughter, and the occasional notes of a piano softly played in the ballroom.

The venue itself is composed of two main spaces: a first-floor foyer perfect for mingling, and a second-floor ballroom that accommodates up to 250 guests for a sit-down dinner or around 350 for a standing reception. It’s an ideal setup for events that transition from cocktail hour to celebration with ease, offering flow and intimacy without sacrificing that very same connection.

Make It Yours

Despite its historic bones, the space is refreshingly flexible. Hosts are encouraged to bring their own flair—whether that’s through floral design, lighting, or theme. The layout adapts beautifully to a variety of events, from small community meetings and artistic performances to large weddings and milestone celebrations.

The venue is equipped with full AV support and a stage in the ballroom, making it a great option for speakers or presentations. While the built-in system is more suited for speeches than full bands, the team welcomes outside equipment and sound specialists for musical needs. And yes, there’s even a grand piano available for rent—perfect for adding an elegant musical touch to any gathering.

Food-wise, the in-house catering kitchen is a requirement for any events involving meals, ensuring quality and consistency. But if your event doesn’t involve food? You’re free to focus on the details that matter most to you.

The Extras That Matter

Parking in Oak Park can often be a concern—but not here. While the organization doesn’t own a private lot, there’s nearby parking available for just a dollar an hour for up to five hours (and it’s free on Sundays). That means your guests can arrive and settle in with ease, without worrying about complicated logistics or inflated garage fees.

While the organization doesn’t have formal partnerships with vendors, they’re happy to recommend florists, DJs, or rental companies they’ve enjoyed working with in the past—people they trust to help bring your event to life.

Where Every Event Becomes a Relationship

For many venues, the end of an event is the end of the relationship. At Oak Park's event space built on heart, it’s often just the beginning.

Private Events General Manager, John "Woody" Linton tells the story best. Over the years, he’s helped plan countless weddings at the venue, walking alongside couples through the entire process. It’s not uncommon for those relationships to stretch beyond the wedding day, turning into long-term friendships that continue over coffee, lunch, and through genuine connection.

“Some couples you work with for months, even years. Then the day comes and goes… and sometimes, it’s hard to say goodbye.” - John "Woody" Linton, Private Events General Manager

Each wedding is beautiful in its own right. But what makes them so special here isn’t just the décor, the music, or the carefully coordinated timeline—it’s the bond that forms between the couple and the community that surrounds them. That’s what guests remember long after the champagne glasses are cleared.

In a world full of event spaces, the Nineteenth Century Charitable Organization offers something refreshingly rare: purpose. It’s a venue with heart, history, and a mission that goes beyond profit. Hosting an event here means becoming part of a larger story—one where your celebration helps support education, empowers volunteers, and strengthens community ties.

So whether you're planning a wedding, a concert, a speaker series, or a celebration of life’s big milestones, this is a space where you’ll feel seen, supported, and genuinely at home.

Because at the Nineteenth Century Charitable Organization, every event is more than an occasion—it’s a moment in a story that’s still being written, one heartfelt gathering at a time.

Want to learn more about the organization and how you can contribute to the community? Learn more here.