Educators are invited to explore the Evanston History Center’s Research Room free of charge. Open Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from 1-4 PM, the Research Room offers access to a rich collection of historical resources for lesson planning, research projects, and personal enrichment. Simply present your school ID upon entry to enjoy complimentary admission. For details about the Research Room, including special hours and holiday closures, click here or contact the Evanston History Center directly.

Bring your students to experience Evanston’s history firsthand with a field trip to the historic Charles Gates Dawes house. These 45-60 minute visits include a guided tour highlighting Charles Dawes, his family, his contributions to Evanston, and the home’s distinctive architectural details, plus a guided experience in the Milestones & Memories: Evanston History exhibit. Upon request, and depend on the size and age of your group, the tour can also include an introduction to the Research Room, offering a unique look at archival materials and how historical documents are preserved and shared.

Field trips can be arranged for all ages, though they are best suited for 5th grade and up. Programs are available Tuesday – Friday between 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM, with a maximum of 30 students at $8 per person. To reserve a time or ask questions, please contact Kris Hartzell at khartzell@evanstonhistorycenter.org.

COMING SOON!

Brighten a rainy afternoon, or any day, with our free, Evanston-themed games and activities! Test your local knowledge with Evanston History: Fact or Fiction or sharpen your sleuthing skills with the Charles Dawes Wordsearch. Perfect for classrooms, family fun, or solo play, these activities bring Evanston’s history to life wherever you are. More games and activities will continue to be added, so check back often!

The Evanston Public Library’s Digital Newspaper Archive is a helpful tool in the classroom and for student researchers. The full digitized collection has grown to twelve titles going back to the Evanston Index in 1872. Of special note are the digital archives of Evanston’s Black newspapers. The archive is available for free with an Evanston Public Library Card.

The Evanston History Center is continually developing and updating its classroom and curriculum resources. For enquiries, to learn more, or for details on how the Library’s Digital Newspaper Archives can be a resource to high school students, please contact Krista Fabian at kfabian@evanstonhistorycenter.org.