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History Lessons Chicago

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Explore the rich history of Chicago through classes in architectural preservation, gangster lore, and the city's role in the Civil Rights Movement, among other fascinating topics.

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Understanding Chicago's Planning History

The Newberry @ 60 W Walton St, Chicago, IL

Understanding Chicago's Planning History using the Chicago Collections Consortium Learn about little-known aspects of the history of city planning in Chicago, drawing on the breadth and depth of resources available through the Chicago Collections Consortium and EXPLORE Chicago Collections.

(4) All levels 18 and older
No upcoming schedules
Free
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Shakespeare Project of Chicago: As You Like It

The Newberry @ 60 W Walton St, Chicago, IL

This is a one time FREE course. “All the world’s a stage, And all the men and women merely players; They have their exits and their entrances, And one man in his time plays many parts …” A staged reading by professional actors from The Shakespeare Project of Chicago, directed by J. R. Sullivan, of the Pearl Theatre Company in New York. An informative talk by a dramaturg begins fifteen minutes before the performance, which is...

(4) All levels 18 and older
No upcoming schedules
Free
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Cosmopolitan Early Modern Venice

The Newberry @ 60 W Walton St, Chicago, IL

This is a one time FREE course. Venice during the early modern era expanded its position as a major crossroads between Europe, Asia, and Africa. A commercial powerhouse, the independent republic mediated between Roman, Protestant, and Byzantine Christian as well as Islamic lands. Edward Muir and Kaya Sahin will discuss the unique role played by Venice during this great era of religious change.

(4) All levels 18 and older
No upcoming schedules
Free
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The Art Institute of Chicago: Badass Bitches Tour

Museum Hack @ 111 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL

Remember when feminism happened, and Georgia O’Keeffe kicked butt, and now museums and the art world totally treat male and female artists with equal value? JK JK IT’S STILL SUPER BAD!  On this two-hour tour of the Art Institute of Chicago, we get three things done: We celebrate the awesome women who ARE represented We fill you in on some women you haven’t heard about We kick some ass - we hack the patriarchy and actually (briefly)...

(428) All levels 16 and older
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A History of Sexuality: Chicago and Berlin, 1893-1933

The Newberry @ 60 W Walton St, Chicago, IL

This class begins with sexologist Magnus Hirschfeld's visits to Chicago in 1893 and 1931 to trace a history of homosexual activism, especially in Chicago and Berlin. In January 1931, the Berlin sexologist, dubbed “the Einstein of Sex,” returned to Chicago to speak at the Dill Pickle Club. Arguing that science was the pathway to justice, Hirschfeld founded the first homosexual rights organization in Berlin in 1897, inspiring gay rights advocates...

(4) All levels 18 and older
No upcoming schedules
$268

6 sessions

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The Townshend Duties and Origins of American Revolution

The Newberry

In 1767, the British Atlantic community experienced a “moment” of sorts. In that year, Charles Townshend assumed the role of Chancellor of the Exchequer. He used his position to try to reshape all the empire and to transform the relationship between Britain and America. Ultimately, he passed a series of duties on select goods, the revenue from which would be used to create the bases of a new imperial system. He did so as his brother George, named...

(4) All levels 18 and older
No upcoming schedules

FamilySearch.org Primer

The Newberry

Loren M. Knowles spent more than fifty years researching his descendants and those of his wife. His daughter, Carol Knowles of Southern California, will speak about the highlights and trials of that endeavor, the results of which were donated to the Newberry Library over the last year. His massive archives have been declared among the most comprehensive, cohesive, and extensive collections of Americana. She will also address “the good, the bad...

(4) All levels 18 and older
No upcoming schedules

Premodern Judaism from Manuscript to Print

The Newberry @ 60 W Walton St, Chicago, IL

This is a one time FREE course. The Newberry Library and Spertus Institute each house a rich collection of medieval and early modern Jewish manuscripts and printed materials, including two jointly owned books. This one-day symposium celebrates and examines these collections in relation to the social and religious lives of Jews from roughly 1450 to 1700. How did the shift to print affect Jewish thought? How were Jews represented in print? What is...

(4) All levels 18 and older
No upcoming schedules
Free

2 sessions

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Integrating the New Now

Infinity Foundation

In this strange chapter of the Earth’s history, the world continues to be in a momentous transformational process. This rite of passage through multiple crises of the novel coronavirus pandemic, pervasive injustice, oppression, inequalities, and extreme weather conditions, can be challenging. Yet, it is an opportunity to stay positive—balanced in mind, energy, and thought— to evolve to a higher level of consciousness. Rather than share the...

(33) All levels 16 and older
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Dancing to Douse Perfectionism

Infinity Foundation @ 1280 Old Skokie Valley Rd, Highland Park, IL

Unlock the power of movement and mindfulness with this transformative workshop. Release the grip of perfectionism as you reconnect with your mind-body-spirit through creative movement and somatic healing practices. Explore themes of creativity, playfulness, and vulnerability to reclaim confidence and lead with authenticity.

(33) All levels 16 and older
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