Evanston History Center

The EHC has begun a phased reopening. Scroll down to learn more about our events, accessing the research room, and visiting for a tour.

Upcoming Events

The Sorcerer’s Lair with David Parr

The Evanston History Center and award-winning magician David Parr welcome you to The Sorcerer’s Lair, an online livestream show where history, mystery and magic converge!

We are open

The EHC Research Room and Archive is open

The Evanston History Center is beginning a phased reopening for the Research Room and Archive. New measures will be implemented for the safety of our staff and visitors. Click “Read More” to find out how you can sign-up to visit.

EHC is beginning a phased reopening for exhibits and self-guided tours

The Evanston History Center is beginning a phased reopening for exhibits and self-guided tours in late August. New measures will be implemented for the safety of our staff and visitors. Click “Read More” to find out how you can sign-up to visit.

Ongoing Events

Year of Suffrage!

Click here to learn more about the upcoming events to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment!

45th Annual Mother’s Day House “Walk-by”

Thank you to all of our sponsors who are helping us make the 45th annual Mother’s Day House “Walk-By” happen this year. You can still purchase House Walk-by books and support the Evanston History Center. Click to learn more.

Highlights

Knowing our history is a powerful means to make meaningful and positive change

At EHC, we oppose racism in all its many forms. We believe that knowing our history is a powerful means to make meaningful and positive change. This year’s house walk featured the homes and stories of Evanston women and women’s organizations that had positive impacts on the community through their work in suffrage and politics. …

Evanston Community History Project (ongoing)

The Evanston History Center announces the launch of an archive and digital record dedicated to documenting the COVID-19 pandemic in Evanston and surrounding areas. We are now seeking digital contributions, from images to documents. Click “Read More” to see how to contribute and submission guidelines.

Self-Guided Walking Tours

Heading out for a walk? Stop by the Evanston History Center to pick up a historic walking tour to go on. Maps are located on the side porch, inside the door. You can also download a PDF to print at home or to use it on your mobile device. Click “Read More” to see and download walking tours.

Update from the EHC on COVID-19

To our members, friends, and visitors: The Board of the Evanston History Center has the health and safety of our visitors and staff as our primary concern. Beginning Monday, March 16, we will suspend tours, access to the research room, and programs until further notice. The situation may change, so please check our website. Like many…

Events Calendar

	October 2020
				1	2	3
4	5	6 UTB: Spencer Jourdain in conversation with Dino Robinson UTB: Spencer Jourdain in conversation with Dino Robinson October 6, 2020 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/5842227956200644108 Spencer Jourdain in conversation with Dino Robinson A Virtual Event Tuesday, October 6, 2020 6:30 – 7:30 pm Presented in Partnership with the Shorefront Legacy Center. Admission: Free! Registration required. Join us for a conversation with Spencer Jourdain, author of the four-volume book series, The Dream Dancers, which recounts the experiences of his family, the Jourdain family, in their long struggle to achieve freedom and equality for Americans of color. Jourdain is the son of Edwin B Jourdain Jr. Evanston’s first Black city council member and a significant figure in the work to end segregation and discrimination in Evanston. Dino Robinson, founder and executive director of Shorefront Legacy Center, will be in conversation with Jourdain as they discuss the remarkable achievements and struggles of the Jourdain family. Please register for the event: Spencer Jourdain in conversation with Dino Robinson on Oct 6, 2020 6:30 PM CDT at: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/5842227956200644108 After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar. We are hosting this event through GoToWebinar. Copies of the Dream Dancers can be purchased here. See more details UTB: Spencer Jourdain in conversation with Dino Robinson Starts: 6:30 pm Ends: October 6, 2020 - 7:30 pm Location: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/5842227956200644108 Description: Spencer Jourdain in conversation with Dino Robinson A Virtual Event Tuesday, October 6, 2020 6:30 – 7:30 pm Presented in Partnership with the Shorefront Legacy Center. Admission: Free! Registration required. Join us for a conversation with Spencer Jourdain, author of the four-volume book series, The Dream Dancers, which recounts the experiences of his family, the Jourdain family, in their long struggle to achieve freedom and equality for Americans of color. Jourdain is the son of Edwin B Jourdain Jr. Evanston’s first Black city council member and a significant figure in the work to end segregation and discrimination in Evanston. Dino Robinson, founder and executive director of Shorefront Legacy Center, will be in conversation with Jourdain as they discuss the remarkable achievements and struggles of the Jourdain family. Please register for the event: Spencer Jourdain in conversation with Dino Robinson on Oct 6, 2020 6:30 PM CDT at: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/5842227956200644108 After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar. We are hosting this event through GoToWebinar. Copies of the Dream Dancers can be purchased here. More details... •	7	8	9	10
11	12	13	14	15	16	17 Downtown Evanston Walking Tour Downtown Evanston Walking Tour October 17, 2020 11:00 am - 12:30 pm Fountain Square, Evanston, IL 60201, USA The Evanston History Center offers lively docent-led walking tours of Evanston neighborhoods, downtown, and the lakefront. The tours provide fun and fascinating insights into the history of Evanston, its architecture, and the cultural landscape. Location Most tours, unless otherwise stated, meet at the Evanston History Center, 225 Greenwood Street, Evanston. Hours Tours vary and are occasionally repeated. Tours begin at 11:00 AM and last for 90 minutes. Admission The cost is $20 per person/$15 for members unless otherwise stated. Contactless payment is required when registering for a tour. Registration is REQUIRED! RSVP to Kris Hartzell, or 847-475-3410. All guests must wear a mask and practice safe social distancing! We do reserve the right to cancel due to weather or unforeseen circumstances. Parking Free street parking is available on Greenwood Street. Downtown Evanston – October 17, 2020 This tour begins at Fountain Square Evanston’s Fountain Square was intentionally platted as the epicenter of the commercial district. Discover the clues downtown Evanston reveals about the history and growth of the community. See more details Downtown Evanston Walking Tour Starts: 11:00 am Ends: October 17, 2020 - 12:30 pm Location: Fountain Square, Evanston, IL 60201, USA Description: The Evanston History Center offers lively docent-led walking tours of Evanston neighborhoods, downtown, and the lakefront. The tours provide fun and fascinating insights into the history of Evanston, its architecture, and the cultural landscape. Location Most tours, unless otherwise stated, meet at the Evanston History Center, 225 Greenwood Street, Evanston. Hours Tours vary and are occasionally repeated. Tours begin at 11:00 AM and last for 90 minutes. Admission The cost is $20 per person/$15 for members unless otherwise stated. Contactless payment is required when registering for a tour. Registration is REQUIRED! RSVP to Kris Hartzell, or 847-475-3410. All guests must wear a mask and practice safe social distancing! We do reserve the right to cancel due to weather or unforeseen circumstances. Parking Free street parking is available on Greenwood Street. Downtown Evanston – October 17, 2020 This tour begins at Fountain Square Evanston’s Fountain Square was intentionally platted as the epicenter of the commercial district. Discover the clues downtown Evanston reveals about the history and growth of the community. More details... •
18	19	20	21	22	23	24
25	26	27 Evanston Women and the Fight for the Vote Evanston Women and the Fight for the Vote October 27, 2020 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm Evanston women were at the forefront of the intellectual and strategic battle for women’s suffrage. Lori Osborne, Director of the Evanston Women’s History Project, will give a talk based on her research for the exhibit Evanston Women and the Fight for the Vote on Tuesday October 27 at 7 pm online. See more details Evanston Women and the Fight for the Vote Starts: 7:00 pm Ends: October 27, 2020 - 8:00 pm Description: Evanston women were at the forefront of the intellectual and strategic battle for women’s suffrage. Lori Osborne, Director of the Evanston Women’s History Project, will give a talk based on her research for the exhibit Evanston Women and the Fight for the Vote on Tuesday October 27 at 7 pm online. More details... •	28	29	30	31

Visit Us!

View Toward the Future: The Capital Campaign

History is alive at the Dawes House. Each year, thousands come to explore the questions history provokes, feel the excitement of discovery, and experience the thrill of examining artifacts and reading directly from original documents.

All of us who care about preserving Evanston’s history have the opportunity to safeguard one of our most visible and important artifacts, the Dawes House. The Capital Campaign will ensure that, with your help.

Click here to learn why it’s a good idea to give, or click here to donate now.

	October 2020
Sun	Mon	Tue	Wed	Thu	Fri	Sat
				1	2	3
4	5	6 UTB: Spencer Jourdain in conversation with Dino Robinson UTB: Spencer Jourdain in conversation with Dino Robinson October 6, 2020 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/5842227956200644108 Spencer Jourdain in conversation with Dino Robinson A Virtual Event Tuesday, October 6, 2020 6:30 – 7:30 pm Presented in Partnership with the Shorefront Legacy Center. Admission: Free! Registration required. Join us for a conversation with Spencer Jourdain, author of the four-volume book series, The Dream Dancers, which recounts the experiences of his family, the Jourdain family, in their long struggle to achieve freedom and equality for Americans of color. Jourdain is the son of Edwin B Jourdain Jr. Evanston’s first Black city council member and a significant figure in the work to end segregation and discrimination in Evanston. Dino Robinson, founder and executive director of Shorefront Legacy Center, will be in conversation with Jourdain as they discuss the remarkable achievements and struggles of the Jourdain family. Please register for the event: Spencer Jourdain in conversation with Dino Robinson on Oct 6, 2020 6:30 PM CDT at: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/5842227956200644108 After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar. We are hosting this event through GoToWebinar. Copies of the Dream Dancers can be purchased here. See more details UTB: Spencer Jourdain in conversation with Dino Robinson Starts: 6:30 pm Ends: October 6, 2020 - 7:30 pm Location: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/5842227956200644108 Description: Spencer Jourdain in conversation with Dino Robinson A Virtual Event Tuesday, October 6, 2020 6:30 – 7:30 pm Presented in Partnership with the Shorefront Legacy Center. Admission: Free! Registration required. Join us for a conversation with Spencer Jourdain, author of the four-volume book series, The Dream Dancers, which recounts the experiences of his family, the Jourdain family, in their long struggle to achieve freedom and equality for Americans of color. Jourdain is the son of Edwin B Jourdain Jr. Evanston’s first Black city council member and a significant figure in the work to end segregation and discrimination in Evanston. Dino Robinson, founder and executive director of Shorefront Legacy Center, will be in conversation with Jourdain as they discuss the remarkable achievements and struggles of the Jourdain family. Please register for the event: Spencer Jourdain in conversation with Dino Robinson on Oct 6, 2020 6:30 PM CDT at: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/5842227956200644108 After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar. We are hosting this event through GoToWebinar. Copies of the Dream Dancers can be purchased here. More details... •	7	8	9	10
11	12	13	14	15	16	17 Downtown Evanston Walking Tour Downtown Evanston Walking Tour October 17, 2020 11:00 am - 12:30 pm Fountain Square, Evanston, IL 60201, USA The Evanston History Center offers lively docent-led walking tours of Evanston neighborhoods, downtown, and the lakefront. The tours provide fun and fascinating insights into the history of Evanston, its architecture, and the cultural landscape. Location Most tours, unless otherwise stated, meet at the Evanston History Center, 225 Greenwood Street, Evanston. Hours Tours vary and are occasionally repeated. Tours begin at 11:00 AM and last for 90 minutes. Admission The cost is $20 per person/$15 for members unless otherwise stated. Contactless payment is required when registering for a tour. Registration is REQUIRED! RSVP to Kris Hartzell, or 847-475-3410. All guests must wear a mask and practice safe social distancing! We do reserve the right to cancel due to weather or unforeseen circumstances. Parking Free street parking is available on Greenwood Street. Downtown Evanston – October 17, 2020 This tour begins at Fountain Square Evanston’s Fountain Square was intentionally platted as the epicenter of the commercial district. Discover the clues downtown Evanston reveals about the history and growth of the community. See more details Downtown Evanston Walking Tour Starts: 11:00 am Ends: October 17, 2020 - 12:30 pm Location: Fountain Square, Evanston, IL 60201, USA Description: The Evanston History Center offers lively docent-led walking tours of Evanston neighborhoods, downtown, and the lakefront. The tours provide fun and fascinating insights into the history of Evanston, its architecture, and the cultural landscape. Location Most tours, unless otherwise stated, meet at the Evanston History Center, 225 Greenwood Street, Evanston. Hours Tours vary and are occasionally repeated. Tours begin at 11:00 AM and last for 90 minutes. Admission The cost is $20 per person/$15 for members unless otherwise stated. Contactless payment is required when registering for a tour. Registration is REQUIRED! RSVP to Kris Hartzell, or 847-475-3410. All guests must wear a mask and practice safe social distancing! We do reserve the right to cancel due to weather or unforeseen circumstances. Parking Free street parking is available on Greenwood Street. Downtown Evanston – October 17, 2020 This tour begins at Fountain Square Evanston’s Fountain Square was intentionally platted as the epicenter of the commercial district. Discover the clues downtown Evanston reveals about the history and growth of the community. More details... •
18	19	20	21	22	23	24
25	26	27 Evanston Women and the Fight for the Vote Evanston Women and the Fight for the Vote October 27, 2020 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm Evanston women were at the forefront of the intellectual and strategic battle for women’s suffrage. Lori Osborne, Director of the Evanston Women’s History Project, will give a talk based on her research for the exhibit Evanston Women and the Fight for the Vote on Tuesday October 27 at 7 pm online. See more details Evanston Women and the Fight for the Vote Starts: 7:00 pm Ends: October 27, 2020 - 8:00 pm Description: Evanston women were at the forefront of the intellectual and strategic battle for women’s suffrage. Lori Osborne, Director of the Evanston Women’s History Project, will give a talk based on her research for the exhibit Evanston Women and the Fight for the Vote on Tuesday October 27 at 7 pm online. More details... •	28	29	30	31

Upcoming Events

We are open

Ongoing Events

Highlights

Events Calendar

October 2020

Spencer Jourdain in conversation with Dino Robinson

Spencer Jourdain in conversation with Dino Robinson

Visit Us!

View Toward the Future: The Capital Campaign