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!

Join author Andrea Friederici Ross and historical interpreter Ellie Carlson as they bring the story of Rose Fay Thomas and her sisters to life. Learn about the beginnings of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, the construction of Orchestra Hall, and the founding of the Anti-Cruelty Society. The Fay sisters are a fascinating case study in what women could -- and couldn't -- do in the late 1800s. Rose was a close friend of Frances Glessner and it will be a special evening as we welcome her back to Glessner House.

 Andrea Friederici Ross is the author of newly published Sisters of Influence: A Biography of Zina, Amy, and Rose Fay, as well as Edith: The Rogue Rockefeller McCormick and Let the Lions Roar! The History of Brookfield Zoo.  Ellie Carlson of ElliePresents is well known to our audience for her portrayal of the Glessners’ beloved cook, Mattie Williamson.

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.

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.

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. This year is extra special as December 7 is the Glessners’ 155th wedding anniversary!

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. The menu will include soup, a variety of sandwiches, and tempting desserts, accompanied by spiced cider and mulled wine.

During the meal, our curator William Tyre, will share stories about the Glessners’ 1870 wedding in Springfield Ohio, and their daughter’s wedding in 1898 which took place in the parlor of the house.

The ten singers of Chicago a cappella bring music full of cheer to Glessner House!  The program features a seasonal mix of cherished holiday classics and rare discoveries, including frosty favorites and some festive music from sunnier corners of the world.

Schedule:
6:00-7:00pm Reception with wine and small bites
7:00-8:00pm Performance

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.

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.