At the height of the great Gothic revival in church architecture during the 19th century, stained glass windows enjoyed a renaissance. Already famous for their innovative designs, William Morris, Edward Burne-Jones, Dante Gabriel Rossetti, and Ford Madox Brown were responsible for some of the most beautiful stained-glass windows of the 19th and 20th centuries. This lecture will look at the history of how ‘The Firm’ brought church windows to life with their new vibrant colors and sensuous designs. The languid faces of the saints and holy family were often modeled on real life portraits of their friends and lovers.

The presentation will be given by Geri Parlby, a former Fleet Street journalist. She has a Masters in the History of Art from the Courtauld Institute and a Theology doctorate from Roehampton University in London. She has been lecturing for the past 18 years both in the UK and internationally.

Tales of strange sounds, unexplained sightings, and untimely endings await as you explore Prairie Avenue after dark! During this 60 minute walking tour through the Prairie Avenue Historic District, learn about the mystery surrounding the death of Marshall Field Jr., the tragic events that plagued the Philander Hanford house, the lingering ghost of Edson Keith, and more - if you dare! Advance ticket required.

Immerse yourself in the stunning design philosophy of William Morris. Reflecting the deep interests of Frances Glessner and the renowned architect Henry Hobson Richardson in the English Arts and Crafts Movement, Glessner House showcases what is believed to be the largest collection of Morris wallpapers, textiles, and rugs in any publicly accessible residence in the United States.

Join us for a tour of this historic gem and discover the beauty and craftsmanship of Morris's work. From original pieces by Morris and William De Morgan, to faithfully reproduced wallpapers and textiles, you'll gain an intimate understanding of the design philosophy that defined the Arts and Crafts movement.

Squirm in your seats as actors from Lifeline Theatre present readings of Poe's terrifying stories and poetry. Hear classics like The Raven and The Tell-Tale Heart, as well as some of Poe's lesser known works. This is an extremely popular event and people return year after year, so don't wait, tickets sell out fast!

Tales of strange sounds, unexplained sightings, and untimely endings await as you explore Prairie Avenue after dark! During this 60 minute walking tour through the Prairie Avenue Historic District, learn about the mystery surrounding the death of Marshall Field Jr., the tragic events that plagued the Philander Hanford house, the lingering ghost of Edson Keith, and more - if you dare! Advance ticket required.

SOLD OUT! Did you know that cemeteries and skeletons played a major role in the history of Chicago? Over the last 100 years, digging in almost any area of the city's Gold Coast has uncovered unidentified skeletons and remains of the graveyards that used to inhabit the neighborhood. Join an excursion in Lincoln Park and hear about how it was once a vast, windswept wasteland that housed a gigantic burial place.

Learn the dramatic efforts made to remove 35,000 bodies from the cemeteries to make way for homes and businesses. Hear stories of grave-robbing  and private investigation swirling around the sites of the original cemeteries. The fantastic tales include the graveyards’ involvement in the Chicago Fire as well as modern day discoveries as surprised home owners find skeletons in their backyards!

Chicago historian Sally Sexton Kalmbach invites participation on a trek that will thrill you as you discover how death, disease, and bones have changed Chicago history.

Discover the remarkable artistic legacy of Giannini & Hilgart, a Chicago-based firm founded in 1899 that created exquisite stained glass installations across America. This talk will examine the firm's contributions to Chicago's historic Second Presbyterian Church alongside rarely seen residential installations in homes throughout the country, revealing how Giannini & Hilgart worked seamlessly with leading architects of the Progressive Era to create harmonious decorative environments. Through visual examples and historical context, attendees will gain an appreciation for the craftsmanship and creativity of one of America's most accomplished yet overlooked stained glass studios, illuminating a hidden chapter in American decorative arts history.

The presentation will be given by Ted Ellison who operates an architectural glass studio in Oakland, California, bringing more than 25 years of experience to creating one-of-a-kind stained glass installations for homeowners, architects, and designers.

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!

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.

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 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.