Join us as we celebrate the 148th anniversary of the birth of Frances Glessner Lee. Born on March 25, 1878 in her parents’ home on West Washington Street in Chicago, Lee lived in many homes during her 83 years. In this presentation by museum curator William Tyre, we will explore those houses and how they both reflected and influenced Lee through the years.

Our exploration begins with her birthplace, her New Hampshire playhouse at The Rocks (shown above left), and, of course, Glessner House. The second part of the presentation will include the Prairie Avenue townhouse occupied during her married years (shown above right) and her elegant co-op apartment on Lake Shore Drive. The third and most detailed portion of the presentation will focus on her beloved cottage at The Rocks (shown above center), which became her permanent residence in 1938. It was here that she explored and expanded the emerging field of legal medicine, now forensic science, and created her famous Nutshell Studies of Unexplained Death.

FREE EVENT!

Everyone has a story to tell. What if you could share your story and watch it come to life before your eyes? Join us for "Stories Connect Us," a cross-community story-sharing event, currently touring with The Connecting Routes Project. Attend a performance of storytelling and improvisational theater featuring your true stories of building community, connection and solidarity interpreted onstage by the Chicago Playback Theatre Ensemble. The performance begins at 7:00pm and is approximately 90 minutes long.

Doors will open at 6:00pm for pre-show activities, a recording station, and free mini-tours of Glessner House. Following the performance, the storytelling continues through recording stations, written prompts, and interactive activities.

Chicago’s Union Stock Yard opened on Christmas Day 1865 and became a must-see tourist attraction, drawing more than half a million visitors each year, from school groups to visiting dignitaries. At its peak, 50,000 employees processed six hundred animals an hour.

Dominic A. Pacyga, author of Slaughterhouse, will share the story of the Union Stock Yard, chronicling the rise and fall of an industrial district, that, for better or worse, served as the public face of Chicago for decades. Pacyga grew up in the shadow of the stockyards, and spent his summers in their hog house and cattle yards. He will explore the rough and toxic life inside the plants, and how the yards shaped the surrounding neighborhoods and controlled the livelihoods of thousands of families.

This program of solo piano music will be performed by Vincent Ip on Frances Glessner’s 1887 Steinway Model C “semi-concert” grand piano. Selections range from pieces by Chopin and John Field - composers that Frances Glessner herself played - to work by Rameau, Mompou, and Ginastera, along with a piano transcription of Shostakovich’s Waltz No. 2.

Born and raised in New York City, Vincent Ip completed his Doctor of Musical Arts degree with Program Honors at Northwestern University, studying under James Giles. He has been recognized with numerous prizes at prestigious competitions, including a Medal of Honor at the Maria Canals International Piano Competition in Barcelona, Spain. Vincent runs a private teaching studio, is a faculty member at Northwestern University, and maintains an active performing career.

The concert will last approximately one hour and will be followed by a reception where guests will have an opportunity to meet the artist.

April marks the 60th anniversary of the official movement that rescued Glessner House from a shaky future. On April 16, 1966, twenty preservationists signed a resolution creating the Chicago School of Architecture Foundation with its first goal being the acquisition of the house. After the house was purchased in December 1966 for $35,000, the real work began - how would it be maintained and restored, and what types of exhibitions, public programs, and educational offerings would breathe new life into the 80-year-old structure?

Over the decades the house served as an incubator for the emerging preservation movement in Chicago, brought together leading architects and urban planners to consider the past, present, and future of Chicago architecture, and became a world-class fully-restored house museum, celebrating H. H. Richardson and the Glessner family. One of the first two buildings in the city designated an official Chicago landmark in 1970, it earned National Historic Landmark status in 1976.

Separating from the Foundation in 1994, the house has operated as an independent non-profit since that time, continuing the restoration and interpretation of the house, embracing modern technology including geothermal to position it for the 21st century, and defining the site as a cultural center for its South Loop community and beyond.

This presentation, by William Tyre, Executive Director and Curator, will explore some of the highlights of our first 60 years, as we look ahead to the next 60 years - and beyond!

Uncover the groundbreaking design of Glessner House on our exclusive tours! Step back in time to 1887 and witness a piece of architectural history that sparked controversy and paved the way for modern residential design. As you explore this magnificent building from basement to attic, you'll gain an in-depth understanding of the work of H. H. Richardson and the lasting impact he had on architects such as Louis Sullivan and Frank Lloyd Wright. This is a rare opportunity to delve into the history and intricacies of this masterpiece, with access to areas not seen on public tours and a chance to view Richardson's original sketch. Don't miss this unforgettable two-hour journey into the heart of architectural innovation!

Experience high Victorian tea in the historic dining room and parlor of Glessner House! These beautifully restored rooms serve as the perfect setting for this popular event, where attendees are treated to a traditional high tea with fine china, silver, and an assortment of delicious treats served in three courses - scones, sandwiches, and dessert.

Curator William Tyre will exhibit and discuss special objects from our archives brought out just for the event. Invite your mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, or good friend for what promises to be a most memorable experience. And men are welcome, too!

Just 30 spaces available per seating. Reservations required, as tickets sell quickly—don’t delay!

SOLD OUT! This tour will explore the world of Chicago’s Union Stock Yard, which opened on Christmas Day in 1865. Serving as the public face of Chicago for decades (think Carl Sandburg’s “Hog Butcher for the World”), it created and defined the working-class neighborhoods around it, and controlled the livelihoods of thousands of families.

The event begins with a private tour of the Packingtown Museum led by curator Dominic A. Pacyga. The museum officially opened in October 2021, and is located at 1400 West 46th Street in The Plant, built in 1925 for Buehler Brothers. The tour will explore themes ranging from labor and immigration to food production and community development.

We will then board a chartered bus for a two-hour tour led by Pacyga through five stockyard neighborhoods - Back of the Yards, Canaryville, Bridgeport, McKinley Park, and Bronzeville. The tour will explore the working-class housing, as well as the churches, schools, and parks that defined the communities. Stops will include the landmark Union Stock Yard gate and St. Gabriel’s Church, both designed by Burnham & Root.

Uncover the groundbreaking design of Glessner House on our exclusive tours! Step back in time to 1887 and witness a piece of architectural history that sparked controversy and paved the way for modern residential design. As you explore this magnificent building from basement to attic, you'll gain an in-depth understanding of the work of H. H. Richardson and the lasting impact he had on architects such as Louis Sullivan and Frank Lloyd Wright. This is a rare opportunity to delve into the history and intricacies of this masterpiece, with access to areas not seen on public tours and a chance to view Richardson's original sketch. Don't miss this unforgettable two-hour journey into the heart of architectural innovation!

Inspired by the elegance of the Belle Époque, this recital brings to life the refined world of French art song at the turn of the 20th century. Music by Fauré, Debussy, Ravel, and their contemporaries reflects a time of extraordinary artistic cross-pollination, where poetry and music merged to create works of shimmering beauty and emotional intimacy - perfectly suited to an intimate salon setting. The performance features Andrea Baker, soprano, and Evan Bravos, baritone, accompanied by pianist Nicholas Pothier.

The concert will last approximately one hour and will be followed by a reception where guests will have an opportunity to meet the artists.

Join us in the beautiful home of The Fortnightly of Chicago for our annual gala, Celebrating Frances Glessner.

Frances Macbeth Glessner (1848-1932) was an extraordinarily gifted woman. Her talents ranged from embroidery to silversmithing, and jewelry making to beekeeping. An accomplished pianist, she and her husband John were among the most devoted supporters of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra during the first four decades of its existence, regularly welcoming the leading musicians of the world into their home.

The event, styled as a summer garden party, will include small bites and beverages, and the opportunity to tour the former home of Bryan and Helen Lathrop, an 1892 Georgian Revival masterpiece by McKim, Mead & White, which has served as the home of The Fortnightly since 1923. Frances Glessner was an active member of The Fortnightly for more than 50 years and presented the organization with a beautiful silver sweetmeat dish she handcrafted in 1905, which will be on display.

A brief program will include a welcome from the current president of The Fortnightly, remarks on Frances Glessner and her impact on Chicago, and the presentation of the annual John and Frances Glessner Award to Linda Miller, immediate past president of Friends of Historic Second Church.

Uncover the groundbreaking design of Glessner House on our exclusive tours! Step back in time to 1887 and witness a piece of architectural history that sparked controversy and paved the way for modern residential design. As you explore this magnificent building from basement to attic, you'll gain an in-depth understanding of the work of H. H. Richardson and the lasting impact he had on architects such as Louis Sullivan and Frank Lloyd Wright. This is a rare opportunity to delve into the history and intricacies of this masterpiece, with access to areas not seen on public tours and a chance to view Richardson's original sketch. Don't miss this unforgettable two-hour journey into the heart of architectural innovation!

Uncover the groundbreaking design of Glessner House on our exclusive tours! Step back in time to 1887 and witness a piece of architectural history that sparked controversy and paved the way for modern residential design. As you explore this magnificent building from basement to attic, you'll gain an in-depth understanding of the work of H. H. Richardson and the lasting impact he had on architects such as Louis Sullivan and Frank Lloyd Wright. This is a rare opportunity to delve into the history and intricacies of this masterpiece, with access to areas not seen on public tours and a chance to view Richardson's original sketch. Don't miss this unforgettable two-hour journey into the heart of architectural innovation!

Uncover the groundbreaking design of Glessner House on our exclusive tours! Step back in time to 1887 and witness a piece of architectural history that sparked controversy and paved the way for modern residential design. As you explore this magnificent building from basement to attic, you'll gain an in-depth understanding of the work of H. H. Richardson and the lasting impact he had on architects such as Louis Sullivan and Frank Lloyd Wright. This is a rare opportunity to delve into the history and intricacies of this masterpiece, with access to areas not seen on public tours and a chance to view Richardson's original sketch. Don't miss this unforgettable two-hour journey into the heart of architectural innovation!

This very special tour provides attendees with the rare opportunity to visit the interiors of several landmarked homes in the Prairie Avenue Historic District. See beautifully carved wood moldings, leaded glass windows, fireplaces in elaborate tile, mosaic, and marble, and much more!

Sites tentatively included on the 2026 tour:
-Marshall Field Jr. house, 1919 S. Prairie Avenue (Solon S. Beman, architect; 1883;
remodeling by Daniel H. Burnham & Co., 1902)
-Charles Purdy house, 213 E. Cullerton Street, (Thomas & Rapp, architects; 1891)
-William Reid house, 2013 S. Prairie Avenue (Beers, Clay & Dutton, architects; 1894)
-Harriet Rees house, 2017 S. Prairie Avenue (Cobb & Frost, architects, 1888)
-Second Presbyterian Church, 1936 S. Michigan Avenue (James Renwick Jr., architect, 1874; remodeling by Howard Van Doren Shaw, 1901)
-The Chicago Firehouse Restaurant, originally Engine Company 104, 1401 S. Michigan Avenue (Charles F. Hermann, 1905)
-Willie Dixon’s Blues Heaven Foundation, 2120 S. Michigan Avenue (historic studio of Chess Records)

An abbreviated tour of Glessner House including the main first floors rooms is also included.

Tour guides will also be stationed at various locations in the neighborhood to discuss and show photos of prominent lost houses including those of Marshall Field, George Pullman, Philip Armour, and others.

Uncover the groundbreaking design of Glessner House on our exclusive tours! Step back in time to 1887 and witness a piece of architectural history that sparked controversy and paved the way for modern residential design. As you explore this magnificent building from basement to attic, you'll gain an in-depth understanding of the work of H. H. Richardson and the lasting impact he had on architects such as Louis Sullivan and Frank Lloyd Wright. This is a rare opportunity to delve into the history and intricacies of this masterpiece, with access to areas not seen on public tours and a chance to view Richardson's original sketch. Don't miss this unforgettable two-hour journey into the heart of architectural innovation!

Uncover the groundbreaking design of Glessner House on our exclusive tours! Step back in time to 1887 and witness a piece of architectural history that sparked controversy and paved the way for modern residential design. As you explore this magnificent building from basement to attic, you'll gain an in-depth understanding of the work of H. H. Richardson and the lasting impact he had on architects such as Louis Sullivan and Frank Lloyd Wright. This is a rare opportunity to delve into the history and intricacies of this masterpiece, with access to areas not seen on public tours and a chance to view Richardson's original sketch. Don't miss this unforgettable two-hour journey into the heart of architectural innovation!

Uncover the groundbreaking design of Glessner House on our exclusive tours! Step back in time to 1887 and witness a piece of architectural history that sparked controversy and paved the way for modern residential design. As you explore this magnificent building from basement to attic, you'll gain an in-depth understanding of the work of H. H. Richardson and the lasting impact he had on architects such as Louis Sullivan and Frank Lloyd Wright. This is a rare opportunity to delve into the history and intricacies of this masterpiece, with access to areas not seen on public tours and a chance to view Richardson's original sketch. Don't miss this unforgettable two-hour journey into the heart of architectural innovation!