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!
This program will be recorded and a link will be sent to all registrants. The link will remain live for seven days following the program.
$16 per person / $13 for members
All ticket sales final, no refunds or exchanges.