Beaches today are widely viewed as sites of recreation, relaxing places where land meets sea. But the history of these sites is nothing if not natural. Evanston’s lakefront has undergone both physical and symbolic changes over the years, from being viewed as fraught with peril for ships and bathers alike to being seen as communal recreation areas for beach goers looking for some fun in the sun.
Click to read more about Evanston’s shoreline!
This event has been postponed until further notice. Looking forward to seeing you in person again soon!
Join the Evanston History Center’s Fall 2021 Under the Buffalo Lecture Series. The series will continue to be virtual on Zoom. Click to learn more about each presentation and learn how to register today!
Opening July 10, 2021 – Diorama-Rama!
In recognition of the 200th anniversary of the invention of the diorama, the Evanston History Center will showcase the historic dioramas in our collection.
The exhibit combines dioramas with related media such as building models and art, including a beautifully woven tapestry panorama of Evanston.
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.
With the arrival of spring, we are pleased to offer a new self-guided Evanston neighborhood tour. The tour uncovers the many stories of the north section of Ridge Avenue, from Emerson to Central Street. Click to learn more and buy a copy of the .pdf to enjoy this self-guided tour.
The Evanston History Center (EHC) is pleased to announce that its research collection will be available for free to anyone who will be working on establishing a case for reparations in the City of Evanston. Appointments for using the research collection at the Evanston History Center can be made online.
How has the last year been for you? What would you like to share about how the pandemic has impacted you? In an effort to capture and record something of Evanston residents’ (and those who go to school or work in Evanston but live elsewhere) experiences of this critical historical time, the Evanston History Center (EHC) invites people to fill out a survey documenting their experiences of and reflections on the last year.
The Evanston History Center announces the 46th annual Mother’s Day House Walk-By “Prairie School: The Hidden Story in Evanston” will take place beginning Sunday, May 9, 2021. Join us as we celebrate Mother’s Day and continue an Evanston History Center tradition.
Tour without travel! Join the Evanston History Center for a virtual historical journey, with stops in Evanston & Chicago. Learn more about the Evanston History Center’s Winter 2021 Under the Buffalo Lecture series and how to register online!