Three Classic Chicago Books for Summer Reading
I’m often asked “What Chicago books should I read?” Since this question is usually during a tour, it’s fair to say our guests want to learn more. As a lover of literature and an alumna from the History Department of UIC, my studies are based on how we learn history without reading standard, dry history […]
Chicago Irish for St. Pat’s Day: Three Influences on History
With the St. Patrick’s Day Parade and celebrations in Chicago coming up this weekend, I began to wonder about why a specifically Irish celebration is such a big deal here in Chicago. Do the Irish make up a large portion of the populace? What’s their history here and how have they contributed to Chicago’s history? […]
A Forgotten History: Chicago Cable Cars
Greg Borzo, author of Chicago Cable Cars (The History Press, 2012), joins the blog for a guest post today: When most people hear “cable car” they think “San Francisco.” Yet for 25 years the largest cable car system the world had ever seen operated in Chicago, transporting more than one billion riders. I discovered these facts and […]
A History of Hugh Hefner in Chicago
Most locals remember that, like Hugh Hefner himself, the myth and image of Playboy was born here in Chicago. But standard trivia like that is never enough for us! So let’s take a moment to talk a little more about the story behind the man and his club. You can learn a bit more by […]
WGN with Nick Digilio and the Tribune at Midnight
Yesterday I had the pleasure of talking on live radio with Nick Digilio in WGN at the Tribune Tower. It was a little eerie being down there at midnight on a Thursday. Everything was pretty dark and quiet, and even the lights inside the lobby were dimmed. Producer Dan took me up to their new […]
Obama in Chicago: His Hangouts and Life in Chicago
Let’s do a little history of Michelle and Barack Obama in Chicago. With the 2012 presidential elections coming up, I realized that I don’t know a whole lot about his life. Which is odd, since he’s President and calls Chicago home, specifically the Hyde Park and Kenwood areas. I’ve walked by his house many times, […]
Exploring a Downtown Chicago Religious Buildings
Earlier this summer, I had the joy of being guided around the Chicago Temple by our director Amanda Scotese. Those of you who have joined us for the Loop Interior Architecture Walking Tour have caught just a glimpse of what this marvelous skyscraper affords in history and architectural gems. Now we’re getting ready for our […]
A Summer Guide to Chicago Beaches and History
After two years as an ambitious, over-worked entrepreneur, I have decided this summer to make summertime fun in Chicago a top priority. But I still have history and guidance on my mind, even when relaxing. So here’s a guide to visiting some Chicago beaches. 63rd Street Beach This is the beach of Jackson Park, which […]
Biking In Chicago: A Long History of a Strong Community
I’ve been a proud to be biking in Chicago for almost two years now. Biking, to me, conjures feelings of childhood bliss. Memories of summers riding my purple Huffy, bedecked with psychedelic flowers. I’d ride it in a continuous loop in my parents’ driveway and, if I was daring, a neighbor’s sidewalk. Unfortunately, suburban sprawl […]
Chicago Temple Tour: Architecture, History and a Toast
We are offering an exclusive tour of the Chicago Temple Building. You’ll visit the rooftop patio and learn all about the architecture, history and culture of this iconic building. Exclusive Tour Details For the Exclusive Tour of the Chicago Temple Building, Amanda will share fascinating stories on the church’s history. The church displays an original “kitsch […]
