Four of the Oldest Buildings in the Loop
The oldest buildings in the Loop can be hard to find. Downtown Chicago is justly famous for its wealth of modern skyscrapers. Behemoths like the Willis Tower dominate the skyline and our attention. It always makes me feel like everything in the Loop sprang up in the middle of the 20th century. However, there are […]
Designing an 1893 World’s Fair Tour Unlike Any Other
Our new 1893 World’s Fair Tour with Bars launches on March 16th. This walking tour is a three-hour-long adventure featuring charming pre-1900s buildings, drinks, some light snacks, and games. Guests learn the history of popcorn while snacking on the Chicago-made Cretors brand. We ride in one of the last passenger elevators with a human operator. The tour looks […]
Four Fun Ways to Celebrate Pulaski Day in Chicago
Pulaski Day is the first Monday of every March, so get ready to celebrate and perhaps have the day off! For those who don’t know many Polish people (or the Sufjan Stevens song), Casimir Pulaski Day is an Illinois state holiday. The holiday honors Casimir Pulaski, a Polish cavalry officer who served in the Continental Army with […]
Oscar Statuettes Made in Chicago for Hollywood
Oscar statuettes are such a symbol of Hollywood, but they are actually manufactured right here in Chicago! On Sunday night in Hollywood, dozens of ecstatic filmmakers will slip their hands around a golden statuette. Known officially as the Academy Award of Merit, those Oscar statuettes are pieces of solid Chicago craftsmanship. The work is done by […]
The History of Four Chicago Lighthouses
When one thinks of architecture in Chicago, lighthouses might not come to mind. But Chicago, long a preeminent American port, has an extended history with these vital, vertical structures. We research stories from Chicago history, architecture and culture like this while developing our live virtual tours, in-person private tours, and custom content for corporate events. You can join […]
Approaches to Studying Chicago History
As a student at North Central College I have had class with some excellent professors over the last two years. Being a history major, I felt it would be appropriate to sit down with one of my professors and mentor, Dr. Ann Durkin Keating, to discuss the study and presentation of Chicago’s history. How do […]
History and Neighborhoods of Chicago Television Shows
Recently I was guiding a private group tour of Chicago, I was asked by a group of newcomers about television shows filmed in Chicago. On our Historic Chicago Walking Bar Tour, we mention movies filmed in Chicago, but I found that the history and neighborhoods of Chicago television shows were more difficult to discuss. So […]
Three Cool Events In Architecture and History This Week
In this week’s January list of events in architecture and history in Chicago, we highlight an exhibit of found and archival photography from around the world, a screening of amateur and industrial Chicago films, and a conversation on social issues in postwar Chicago. 1. Archive State, Museum of Contemporary Photography PANEL DISCUSSION – Tuesday, January 28th – […]
Chicago Native American History for Thanksgiving
Our national holiday, Thanksgiving, reminds me of the Native American history in Chicago. Native Americans, of course, were the first settlers in this region. In school we don’t learn much about Native American history beyond Thanksgiving. But in Chicago there is much more to Native American influence on the city, beginning with its name. What’s in a Name? […]
The Story Behind the Chicago-Style Hot Dog
The Chicago-style hot dog…there are plenty of places in Chicago to grab one, and we each have our favorite. Before I share a little tour of our Chicago dog options, let’s dig into some history of Chicago’s special spot in the world of encased meats. Chicago’s Meaty History It has a lot to do with […]