Lake Forest founding father, C.B. Farwell, rose from humble beginnings as a farm boy to become a merchandising magnate and powerful politician. His role in establishing Lake Forest College, Fort Sheridan, and the 1893 Columbian Exposition (World's Fair) helped to shape Lake Forest and Chicago. Presenter Jim Phelps will detail Farwell's many fascinating pursuits, including ... Read more
“A completely self-contained utopia…enjoyed by presidents and movie stars alike.” Don’t miss this popular tour led by Jim Phelps! Along with an overview of the history of Lasker’s Mill Road Farm, the tour will cover the story of the father of modern advertising Albert Lasker and the 13 farm buildings designed by renowned architect David ... Read more
A part of our Cornerstones of History lecture series. Rebecca S. Graff is an Associate Professor of Anthropology at Lake Forest College (PhD and MA, University of Chicago; BA, University of California, Berkeley). A historical archaeologist with research interests in the 19th- and 20th-century urban United States, she explores the relationship between temporality and modernity, ... Read more
Join us for a historical and architectural walking tour of Lake Forest Cemetery led by executive director Carol Summerfield as we explore one of Lake Forest's most captivating and historic landmarks! The final resting place for many who have left their mark on the social and civic fabric of Lake Forest, Lake Forest Cemetery is listed ... Read more
Come celebrate this new exhibition, launching our special lecture series and special events that celebrate the 50th anniversary of the critically acclaimed residential arts community: the Ragdale Foundation. Register for the Grand Opening Here
Join us for a Sunday Brunch as we explore the history and significance of Gospel Music & the importance of Lake Forest in Black American history. First Baptist Church of Lake Forest is the oldest African American Baptist Church of Lake County; recognized by the Lake Forest Historical Society and was founded in 1900. Learn ... Read more
A part of our Cornerstones of History lecture series. Laurie Stein, Deputy Director and Head of Curation at the History Center of Lake Forest-Lake Bluff, takes a close look at the community during the tumultuous years of 1916-1919. With Great Lakes Naval Station to the north and Fort Sheridan to the south, it is no ... Read more
Join us for a historical and architectural walking tour of Lake Forest Cemetery led by executive director Carol Summerfield as we explore one of Lake Forest's most captivating and historic landmarks! The final resting place for many who have left their mark on the social and civic fabric of Lake Forest, Lake Forest Cemetery is listed ... Read more
A part of our Cornerstones of History lecture series. Carol Summerfield, executive director at the History Center, will talk about trailblazing female cabinet secretary Frances Perkins, focusing on the unusual role she played in shaping significant policies and practices for President Franklin Roosevelt as Secretary of Labor and how she helped build his legacy. Shaped ... Read more
Come for a free tour of the History Center Gardens with docent Mary Staackmann. Dive in to the history of garden and landscape design in Lake Forest.
Join Ragdale and The History Center for a panel talk lead by Ragdale executive director, Paul Sacaridiz. Featuring artists from the Ragdale artist residence program as they discuss their artistic process and how creativity manifests for them. Join us at the History Center, October 13th from 7PM-8PM for this unique collaborative event. Register
Join the History Center for this Virtual Program with award winning author Judith Pearson You don't have to have read the book to enjoy the conversation! This is a virtual, Zoom event. Please register in advance and check your emails prior to the event for the latest information on how to join the Zoom! Register ... Read more