Growing up, my favorite holiday was always Thanksgiving. Most of my family’s turkey day traditions were the same as many Americans – visiting family, eating too much turkey and pie, napping and watching a little football. A few of our traditions may have been more unique to us -- teasing Grandma about always bringing two…
Banned Books on Stage: Celebrate Banned Books Week and the Year of Chicago Theatre
During the last week of September, libraries, schools, bookstores and readers across the nation celebrate Banned Books Week by standing up and speaking out for the freedom to read. In Chicago, our theaters are known for standing up and speaking out. In fact, the tagline for 2019's Year of Chicago Theatre claims the stage is…
Chance the Snapper Isn’t Chicago’s First Notorious Gator
With news of Humboldt Park’s newest notorious (and likely temporary) lagoon resident -- alligator Chance the Snapper -- I was curious if other gators had made headlines in Chicago. A quick search of the early 20th century newspaper Chicago Examiner uncovered more than 300 alligator articles. Chicago may be in the midst of #gatorwatch2019, but…
Quiz: Chicago’s Historical Buildings
How much you know about the Library's downtown neighbors? Test your knowledge of some of Chicago's iconic buildings.
Queen’s Landing: Elizabeth II’s Chicago Visit in 1959
On July 6, 1959, the sun was shining in Chicago, appropriately so, as the city was prepared to show off to a royal visitor. Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain and her husband, Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, planned a stop in Chicago while traveling through Canada along the then recently opened St. Lawrence Seaway…
Fearless in Chicago, Organic Theater’s WARP
Theater in Chicago has always been strong, ambitious and risky. Actors, directors, set and costume designers and a host of other creatives have built a brand in Chicago that is prepared to bare its fearless soul. The League of Chicago Theatres and City of Chicago have come together in 2019 for the Year of Chicago Theatre…
Quiz: How Well Do You Know Chicago Restaurant History?
Are you ready for Chicago Restaurant Week? While you wait to be seated, test your knowledge of some of Chicago's favorite foodie spots in this quiz by our bloggers Angie, Beth, Beverly, Jade, Johanna, Michelle, Paul, Sarah and SarahD. Then stop on in to see our current exhibit, A Taste of Charlie Trotter -- no…
Celebrate Chicago Day’s 125th Anniversary
A lot can happen on one day, from the ordinary to the extraordinary. October 9 is a one such day in Chicago history. Most infamously, in 1871, the Great Chicago Fire burned, ravaging the city and reducing it to rubble. Twenty-two years later, having rebuilt from the ashes left by the fire, Chicago was front and…
From Slates to Typewriters in Chicago’s Schools
Freshly sharped pencils are often associated with the beginning of a new school year. However, as students prepare to head back to class, many will forego pencils in favor of tablets or laptops. In some school districts, cursive writing instruction has been replaced by other courses. A simple pencil suddenly seems a little outdated. Looking…
Pomp and Circumstance: Historical Graduation Cards
The school year is winding down. Students across Chicago are studying and preparing to take final exams. Seniors are preparing for graduation. Many graduates will participate in long celebrated traditions like wearing black or school-color gowns and flat mortarboard caps at commencement ceremonies, then celebrating their academic achievement with friends and family. If you walk…
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