What did Chicago and the world look like 150 years ago? At a time when one out of every five people lived under the control of Queen Victoria’s British empire, composers and authors were producing works that remain well-known today. Mark Twain’s novel The Gilded Age: A Tale of Today gave its name to the era of the robber barons, and a controversial art exhibition in Paris led to the birth of Impressionism.

Closer to home, President Ulysses S. Grant was dealing with the impact of the financial panic that had started the previous year, and King Kalakua of the Kingdom of Hawaii visited Chicago. Architects were busy rebuilding Chicago following the devastating fire of 1871, when another fire burned 47 acres of mostly wooden buildings that had escaped the first fire south of downtown.

Second Presbyterian Church dedicated its new building on South Michigan Avenue designed by James Renwick, Jr., and the Glessners purchased their first home, on Chicago’s West Side.

Join Glessner House curator William Tyre as he explores the defining moments of the year 1874 and their impact on our world, in this richly illustrated presentation.

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!

In November 1894 - exactly 130 years ago - Frances Glessner held the first session of her Monday Morning Reading Class, a tradition which would continue for the next 36 years.

This special session of the class, believed to be the first held since 1930, will take place in the library and will be led by Executive Director and Curator, William Tyre. The class will be reviewing Arthur Meeker’s novel, Prairie Avenue, published in 1949. Meeker was a neighbor of the Glessners in the early 1900s, and used his memories and those of his parents to paint a picture of life on Prairie Avenue in the late 19th century, substituting thinly-veiled fictional characters for the prominent men and women who called the street home.

This special fundraiser, provided by Acts Of Kindness Cabaret, features the talents of Hilary Ann Feldman, Adam Hibma, and Nikki Krzebiot in an evening of storytelling through song.

From primitive man telling stories to today’s songs, books, programs, and films, stories have been a part of the human experience. They have taught us lessons, preserved our histories, and enriched our lives. Through stories about others, we learn about ourselves, we share laughter, and we travel together to other places and times. Have We Got a Story for You! tells tales both familiar and strange, through poets and songwriters from Shakespeare to The Beatles, and everything in between. Join us for adventure, intrigue, laughter, and a bit of happily ever after for all!

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.

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.

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 - 10:00am and 1:00pm.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.