There’s nothing quite like Crab Tree Farm during Mother’s Day Weekend. Crab Tree Farm was designed by architect Solon Beman in 1910 as a dairy farm for Grace Durand. Over the last 30+ years, the farm buildings have undergone extensive renovations and now house world-renowned collections of Arts & Crafts furniture and decorative arts. This ... Read more
Cost: $25 per member, $35 per non-member Join board member Jim Phelps for a leisurely bike ride through the charming neighborhoods of central and east Lake Forest. Learn and explore as you pedal through downtown, past historic churches, and beautiful households old and new. Whether you are a long-time resident or a short-term visitor, Lake ... 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, explores the early settlement of northeastern Illinois with a focus on Lake County and the communities of Lake Forest and Lake Bluff. Stein examines who the region’s early homesteaders were, ... Read more
A part of our Cornerstones of History lecture series. Drawn from letters, diaries and photographs in the Dunn Museum’s collections, this presentation discusses the personal stories of Lake Countians on the battlefield and on the Homefront. Thank You to Our Sponsors! Visionary Sponsor - Maude Glore Patron Sponsor - Jim Phelps Register
A part of our Cornerstones of History lecture series. Jim Phelps, local historian with the History Center. In the 19th century, Chicago literally rose from the mud to become an industrial giant and the nation's transportation hub. The business leaders and innovations transformed the face of Chicago and American industry. The legacy of these men ... Read more
Program postponed due to power outage. 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 ... Read more
This is a co-sponsored event in partnership with Lake Forest Open Lands Conveniently located in the heart of Lake Forest, Mellody Farm Nature Preserve offers visitors a diverse collection of natural experiences. As the headquarters for Lake Forest Open Lands, Mellody Farm serves as the hub for everything within the organization. We welcome you to ... Read more
Our city of Lake Forest grew up around today's Triangle Park. This is your chance to come and learn about the historic neighborhood! Docent Sandy Stitzlein will guide you through the park's important history, the many iconic schools, churches, and historic homes that surround it, and everything else that shaped the community we know today. ... Read more
Join the History Center for a summer music concert series in the gardens. Enjoy live music, food and merriment from 5-7pm on Friday, August 14. Bring your own drinks, snacks and chairs for this free concert. Preformance by Jr Smitty and the Cryin’ Pity: Jr Smitty and the Cryin’ Pity is a hard driving blues band delivering ... Read more
Join us as we explore the historic, architectural, and social origins & development of Lake Forest’s very own Lake Forest College. Tour docent and LFC alumnus George Sigaev will guide you through a walk of middle and north campus, sharing overarching histories and personal stories associated with Lake Forest College and its impact on the ... Read more
Come join us in celebrating this milestone of the Preservation Foundation. Learn a little more about who they are and what they've accomplished over the past 50 years. SOLD OUT
Join docent Elizabeth Sublewski for this fascinating walking tour of Lake Forest’s famous Market Square. Liz will point out interesting hidden details and share stories of businesses past and present as we explore the nation’s first outdoor mall designed by Howard Van Doren Shaw. The tour will run for ~90 minutes. Please plan on arriving at ... Read more