Evanston History Center
The mission of the Evanston History Center is to collect, preserve and share Evanston history to educate, inspire and enrich the people of Evanston.
To accomplish its mission, the Center focuses on:
- presenting free public programming
- managing the stewardship of extensive historical archives and collections
- showcasing Evanston history through engaging exhibitions
- creating relevant community partnerships
- leading docent-led walking tours of historical Evanston neighborhoods
- connecting people through community-focused events
Because of the work of the Evanston History Center, our vision is that the people of Evanston will be grounded in their community and city history, to better understand how history shapes and informs the present. As a result, they will be stronger students and citizens, caring for and participating in the future of Evanston.
Our History
Concerned that much of Evanston’s early history was at risk of being lost with the death of the earliest settlers, a group of 7 residents founded the Evanston History Center (formerly the Evanston Historical Society) in 1898.
In 1942, Charles Gates and Caro Dawes arranged for Northwestern University to hold their house in trust for the Evanston History Center. Evanston History Center moved into the Dawes House in 1960 after Charles and Caro Dawes had both died.
In 1976 the Charles Gates Dawes House was named a National Historic Landmark.
Today, the Center’s mission is to collect, preserve and share Evanston history to educate, inspire and enrich the people of Evanston.
We Are Hiring
Staff
Board of Trustees
President: Katie Tucker Trippi
Vice-President, Advancement & Membership: Jenifer McCartney
Vice-President, Board Development: Vacant
Vice-President, Education: Vacant
Vice-President Facilities and Collections: Michael Girard
Secretary: Michael Sullivan
Treasurer: Geoffrey Bonn
Trustees:
A. Louis Allred
Bob Burns
Kelly Bush
Jill Berryman Demma
Morris Fisher, MD
Nabil Foster
Consuelo (Connie) Gillock
Kim Hamilton
Gary Kaufman
Len Koroski
Ross Mathee
Susan Turner
Tosha Wilson
Emeriti:
J. Robert (Bob) Barr
Sharon L. Ephraim
Eston Gross
Doug Honnold
Matt Struve