The ‘L’ – Roots of a Chicago Landmark
The ‘L’ system is the centerpiece of Chicago’s mass transit system. From the tight corners and subways of the Loop to the farthest terminus stations, the ‘L’ ties Chicago together. According to the Chicago Transit Authority, the total system is 102.8 miles long and carried 238.45 million fares in 2014. That makes it one of the largest and […]
What Was the Opening Day of the 1893 World’s Fair Like?
The opening day of the 1893 World’s Fair was a big deal! Chicago welcomed visitors from around the world to the opening ceremony of the World’s Columbian Exposition on May 1st. We’re celebrating with a special event, “A Day at the 1893 World’s Fair” virtual tour on April 30 or May 9. In this one-hour virtual event we […]
Discover the Traces of Military History in Chicago
For Veterans Day I want to highlight some of the traces of military history in Chicago. Both downtown and throughout the neighborhoods, buildings, place names, museums and memorials bear tribute to the brave women and men who fought for their country. So, in memory of the sacrifices made for the country by our veterans, here […]
Peek Behind the Scenes of Chicago Theatre History
2019 is the Year of Chicago Theatre, so we’re looking back on Chicago theatre history in all its varied forms, from its legendary improv to neighborhood storefront spaces. 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 us to […]
Four Truly Patriotic Forgotten Chicago Figures You Must Know
We’re celebrating the Fourth of July by acknowledging four forgotten Chicago patriots. These long-gone American heroes dedicated their lives to those truths we hold to be self-evident: that all are created equal and are endowed with certain unalienable rights – life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. In their honor, we’re shining a light on […]
Three Chicago Musicians of Maxwell Street
As the weather gets nicer, I get excited for the open air markets in Chicago, chief among them the Maxwell Street Market. With the Chicago Blues Festival just around the corner and our annual custom private tours in full swing, tour guests often ask me, “Who are famous blues musicians from Chicago I should know?” […]
Before Lincoln Yards: Chicago Mega-development History
Lincoln Yards, the controversial mega-development on the North Branch of the Chicago River, is just one of many enormous projects across the city. The sites, built by private developers with infusions of public money, aim to build entire neighborhoods from scratch. Obviously, these are “no little plans” as Daniel Burnham might say, and they have […]
Here’s What Happened at our Badass Women History Event 2019
Our “Badass Women of Chicago History” storytelling event on Friday, March 22 had good vibes all around and a packed house! We SOLD OUT with 132 guests. Incredible storytellers told us about Chicago heroines on the peripheries of history. We had incredible storytellers. In case you didn’t make it, here’s our special event wrap-up: Here […]
Stories of Four Badass Ladies of Chicago for Women’s History Month
Women’s History Month is a natural time to reflect on all the women who’ve made Chicago a world-class city. We’ve got some heavy hitters, of course. Nobel Prize-winner Jane Addams, Pulitzer Prize-winner Gwendolyn Brooks, and the force of nature that is Oprah. On Friday, March 22, we’re hosting our second annual “Badass Women of Chicago […]
Celebrating the Illinois Bicentennial: Chicago in 1818
The Illinois Bicentennial is coming up on December 3rd. We became the 21st state to enter the Union on that date in 1818. So take that, Alabama, you 23rd-place dogs! <shakes fist at some random Crimson Tide fans> Ahem. My apologies. Don’t know what came over me. Illinois Bicentennial celebrations stretch across the state from Winthrop Harbor […]
