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CHICAGO HISTORY 101: THE SPEAKEASY SERIES


​Chicago History 101: The Speakeasy Series returns to hidden hideaway Room 13 this winter to help Chicago residents learn more about the history of their city! Presented by Chicago for Chicagoans, this pay-what-you-can educational series is meant to provoke understanding and discussion of our city’s past, while exploring how that history impacts and influences our future.

This year, we’re diving into Chicago history through the lense of our beloved flag. Originally designed by Wallace Rice in 1917, the flag’s six-pointed stars are layered with symbolism that represents the story of our city. Join an illustrious lineup of Chicago historians & experts as we explore and contextualize our stars and stripes in twelve, one-of-a-kind evenings featuring lectures, discussions, interviews, and lots of tasty cocktails!

2018-2019 LINEUP

Register online starting two weeks in advance! Speaker profiles are available on our website here.

11/8/18 | Kickoff: The Chicago Flag 
Speaker: Patti Swanson, Executive Director, Chicago for Chicagoans
If we’re going to be exploring the ins and outs of the Chicago Flag, it certainly makes sense to kick things off with a one-hour lecture on the design, development, and overall symbolism of the Chicago Flag!
(REGISTER HERE)

11/15/18 | Populousness: Explosive Growth & the “Second City”
Guest Speaker: Leyla Royale, Historian & Tour Guide (Atlas Obscura; the Chicago Theatre)
(REGISTER HERE)

11/29/18 | Transportation: River & Rail 
Guest Speaker: Erica Ruggiero, Historic Preservationist (McGuire Igleski & Associates; Skyline Council)
(REGISTER HERE)

12/13/18 | Commerce + Finance: Stores, Catalogs, & Futures 
Guest Speaker: Ben Archer, Historian & Tour Guide (Been There Tours, Shoreline Sightseeing)
(REGISTER HERE)

1/10/19 | Labor: Unrest, Riots, & Taverns 
Guest Speaker: Liz Garibay, Historian & Tour Guide (History on Tap, Chicago Brewseum)
(REGISTER HERE)

1/24/19 | Salubrity: Stockyards & Industry 
Guest Speakers: Erica Ruggiero, Historic Preservationist (McGuire Igleski & Associates; Skyline Council) & Laura Schuetz, Historic Preservationist (Elevate Energy; Skyline Council)
(REGISTER HERE)

2/7/19 | Justice: Corruption & Segregation 
Guest Speakers: Paul Dailing, Historian & Journalist (1,001 Chicago Afternoons; Chicago Daily Law Bulletin) & Vitaliy Vladimirov, Urban Planner & Historian (Obama Foundation; MUSE Community + Design)
(REGISTER HERE)

2/21/19 | Beneficence + Religion: Welfare, Women & the WCTU
Guest Speaker: Laura Schuetz, Historic Preservationist (Elevate Energy; Skyline Council) & Juliana Glassco (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America)
(REGISTER HERE)

3/7/19 | Education: Immigration & School Design
Guest Speaker: Blanca Torres, Activist (Save Saint Adalbert’s)
(REGISTER HERE)

3/21/19 | Aesthetics: City Planning & Parks 
Guest Speaker: Vitaliy Vladimirov, Urban Planner & Historian (Obama Foundation; MUSE Community + Design)
(REGISTER HERE)

4/4/19 | Civic Pride: Art & Culture 
Guest Speakers: Liz Gomez, Artist & Educator (The Waste Shed; Divine Gratitude Movement) & Beatrice Hardy, Historian & Tour Guide (Ms. Bea's Historical Community Tours; Big Bus Chicago)
(REGISTER HERE)

4/11/18 | Conclusion: Announced Soon! 
Host: Patti Swanson, Executive Director, Chicago for Chicagoans

EVENT INFORMATION

WHAT TO EXPECT
Each night of the series will feature a pair of scholars speaking on a topic of Chicago history alluded to by the stars of the Chicago Flag. Attendees can expect to take in about an hour and a half of lively, informal discussion between two experts, followed by time for questions, mingling, and group conversation. All interest and experience levels welcome -- just come prepared to learn & chat about all things Chicago! Doors open at 6:45pm. Lectures begin promptly at 7:15pm. 

PRICE
Affordability and accessibility of history is important to us. This series is offered on a pay-what-you-can basis with a suggested, tax-deductible donation of $10-20 recommended for those with the means to contribute. Chicago for Chicagoans is a volunteer-run, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization financed exclusively by our supporters. You can donate in advance online, or in person with cash or credit card.

ABOUT THE VENUE
This series is made possible by the generosity of our hosts! Room 13 is the Old Chicago Inn's very own private, members-only, Prohibition-inspired speakeasy. Room 13's bar will be available to lecture attendees for the duration of the event, accepting cash & credit card. Interested in setting up a prospective member visit, or becoming a member year-round? Email luke@oldchicagoinn.com.

ACCESSING THE EVENT
Lecture attendees will be emailed a password the week of the event to use at the door for access. As a result, Eventbrite RSVPs are required for each session, for every guest. Those unable to secure a spot in advance are welcome to try their luck at the door, where any available spaces day-of will be allotted on a first-come, first-serve basis from 7:00-7:15pm.

EVENT LIMITATIONS
•  Because this lecture series takes place in a place where alcohol is served, attendees must be at least 21 years old to attend.
•  Unfortunately, the historic greystone building is not wheelchair accessible. Please email us if you have a physical disability limiting your ability to tackle stairs, and we will try to accommodate you.
•  As a period-appropriate speakeasy, Room 13 requires proper dress, following a business casual model.  Gentlemen are asked to wear some sort of collar (jacket, sweater, button-up, etc). Nice denim, without wear and tear, is acceptable. No athletic wear, please.
•  Presentations and discussions are meant to be inclusive, covering diverse histories and occasionally controversial subject matter. Respectfulness, empathy, and a willingness to listen and engage are key. Inflammatory speech will not be tolerated, and those who cannot engage compassionately will be asked to leave.

FARTHER OUT...

Soon!
PULLMAN
with tour guide & historian
Beatrice Hardy
Soon!
AUSTIN
with the
Westside Health Authority
2019
LAKEVIEW
​with community
​researcher
Walter Kiefer
2019
YOUR
NEIGHBORHOOD
with you! ​Email us!

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Past events
Help us plan a tour in your neighborhood!
We're prioritizing tours in the following areas-- contact us to get in touch:
  • Bronzeville
  • Bridgeport
  • Hyde Park
  • Avondale
  • ​Logan Square
  • Buena Park
  • Englewood 
  • ​South Shore

PLEASE NOTE:

  • Tours involve approximately 3 miles of walking, and may prove difficult for those with limited mobility or mobility issues. While we stay primarily on paved paths and sidewalks, these routes may still include potholes and uneven surfaces. Please get in touch if you would like to arrange a special tour adjusted for your mobility, or would like to simply grab a coffee and chat about the neighborhood. We will do our best to help everyone, regardless of ability, learn about their city.
  • By RSVPing for, and participating in, any Chicago for Chicagoans event, you waive your right to hold Chicago for Chicagoans liable for any injuries sustained on the tour, and agree to be photographed. Read our liability & photography statements here.