Servants Tour
Nov
23
9:30 AM09:30

Servants Tour

SOLD OUT! Step into a world where 60 percent of a family’s home was dedicated to areas for paid servants to live and work. Immerse yourself in the captivating story of this 17,400 square foot mansion, designed by the celebrated architect Henry Hobson Richardson in 1885. Commissioned to house the Glessner family and their live-in staff of eight, this architectural gem offers a rare glimpse into the life of servants in the late 19th century.

Join us on a journey through time as we delve into the extraordinary records maintained by Frances Glessner. Her personal journal and a separate book, where she documented each servant as they came and went, provide an unparalleled insight into the lives of these unsung heroes.

View Event →
ONLINE - A Look Back: Chicago and the World in 1924
Dec
1
2:00 PM14:00

ONLINE - A Look Back: Chicago and the World in 1924

On December 1, 1924 - exactly 100 years ago - John and Frances Glessner deeded their Prairie Avenue home to the Chicago Chapter of the American Institute of Architects, retaining a life tenancy. The gift came with a stipulation that the AIA purchase the Kimball house across the street, resulting in the creation of The Architects’ Club of Chicago. It was one of the first acts of preservation in the city, and was especially important on a street whose character was rapidly transforming from residential to light industrial.

This program will explore the Glessners’ generous act within the context of the year 1924. In Chicago, it was the year that saw the dedication of the Municipal Grant Park Stadium (now Soldier Field), the completion of KAM Isaiah Israel, and the construction of the Tribune Tower. But it was also the year that saw residents, and the nation, captivated by the “trial of the century” - the conviction of Leopold and Loeb for the murder of Bobby Franks.

National events included the first radio broadcast from the White House (by President Coolidge), the appointment of J. Edgar Hoover as head of the FBI, the election of the first female governor, and the formation of companies such as IBM and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM Studios). George Gershwin was at his peak, releasing Fascinating Rhythm and The Man I Love, as well as premiering his iconic Rhapsody in Blue, which helped to define the era.

The world stage witnessed the first Winter Olympics, the death of Vladimir Lenin and renaming of St. Petersburg as Leningrad, and the revelation of King Tut’s extraordinary golden mask.

It truly was a year to remember. The richly illustrated talk will be presented by William Tyre, Executive Director and Curator.

View Event →
Children's Gingerbread House Decorating Party
Dec
7
10:00 AM10:00

Children's Gingerbread House Decorating Party

SOLD OUT! Create a holiday masterpiece at Glessner House’s seventh annual Gingerbread House Decorating Party! Create your own mini-gingerbread house to take home. All supplies are included. We will have lots of helpers, so no previous decorating experience is necessary! This event is recommended for ages 3-13 – children must be accompanied by an adult. Two seatings at 10:00am and 1:00pm.

View Event →
We Wish You a Mattie Christmas!
Dec
8
11:30 AM11:30

We Wish You a Mattie Christmas!

The tree is decorated and the stockings are hung, so Frances Glessner is planning a very special Christmas luncheon with the assistance of her favorite cook, Mattie Williamson, and you are invited!

Join us in the dining room and parlor for a variety of tasty holiday treats, inspired by actual menus prepared by Frances Glessner for her guests, including roasted chestnut soup, plum pudding, and much more!

During the meal, Mattie will share recipes, ideas on menu planning, preparing the perfect guest list, and how she sourced the ingredients. The Glessners’ butler Frederick Reynolds will also share a few tales from holidays past including prominent guests.

View Event →
Christmas Candlelight Tours
Dec
14
4:30 PM16:30

Christmas Candlelight Tours

Celebrate an authentic old-fashioned Christmas at Glessner House this holiday season!

These special one hour docent-led tours will highlight Christmas customs as observed by the Glessner family. The house will feature elaborate decorations of the late 19th-century including a live 10-foot tree decorated with period ornaments, toys and holiday crafts, Christmas music performed on the Glessners’ Steinway piano, and the dining table set for an eight-course Christmas feast. After the tour, enjoy complimentary hot cider and cookies.

View Event →
Christmas Candlelight Tours
Dec
15
4:30 PM16:30

Christmas Candlelight Tours

Celebrate an authentic old-fashioned Christmas at Glessner House this holiday season!

These special one hour docent-led tours will highlight Christmas customs as observed by the Glessner family. The house will feature elaborate decorations of the late 19th-century including a live 10-foot tree decorated with period ornaments, toys and holiday crafts, Christmas music performed on the Glessners’ Steinway piano, and the dining table set for an eight-course Christmas feast. After the tour, enjoy complimentary hot cider and cookies.

View Event →
Christmas Candlelight Tours
Dec
21
4:30 PM16:30

Christmas Candlelight Tours

Celebrate an authentic old-fashioned Christmas at Glessner House this holiday season!

These special one hour docent-led tours will highlight Christmas customs as observed by the Glessner family. The house will feature elaborate decorations of the late 19th-century including a live 10-foot tree decorated with period ornaments, toys and holiday crafts, Christmas music performed on the Glessners’ Steinway piano, and the dining table set for an eight-course Christmas feast. After the tour, enjoy complimentary hot cider and cookies.

View Event →
Christmas Candlelight Tours
Dec
22
4:30 PM16:30

Christmas Candlelight Tours

Celebrate an authentic old-fashioned Christmas at Glessner House this holiday season!

These special one hour docent-led tours will highlight Christmas customs as observed by the Glessner family. The house will feature elaborate decorations of the late 19th-century including a live 10-foot tree decorated with period ornaments, toys and holiday crafts, Christmas music performed on the Glessners’ Steinway piano, and the dining table set for an eight-course Christmas feast. After the tour, enjoy complimentary hot cider and cookies.

View Event →
New Year's Day Reception
Jan
1
3:00 PM15:00

New Year's Day Reception

Throughout much of the 19th century, the holidays were celebrated with open houses and receptions on New Year’s Day, more so than on Christmas. The day also had special significance for the Glessners, as it was Frances Glessner’s birthday (born January 1, 1848).

Join us as we open the house for an old-fashioned New Year’s Day reception. Enjoy traditional beverages and light refreshments in the parlor, dining room, and main hall.

Frances Glessner records in her journal that the day was filled with callers, and the receipt of flowers, books, and other gifts in honor of her birthday. She would usually attend the symphony, opera, or theatre, and on at least two occasions, members of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra snuck into the house to serenade her.

Curator William Tyre will share stories of receptions and celebrations held in the house through the years, and will perform a few selections on the Glessners’ Steinway piano, including “Auld Lang Syne” in which everyone will be asked to join in.

View Event →