Under the Buffalo Lecture Series
The Under the Buffalo Lecture Series—named because the series takes place in the Great Hall of the Dawes House*, where a buffalo head hangs on the wall high overhead—provides unique, high-quality programming for a broad audience interested in history, art, and culture. Speakers come from a wide variety of backgrounds and areas of expertise. Past topics have included green architecture, the underground railroad in Illinois, and industrial design. There are two seasons of presentations, September-November and January-March.
* We now offer online programming for some events. Please check the calendar of events for details.
A Few of Our Past Under the Buffalo Lectures
Kate Masur
Until Justice Be Done: America’s First Civil Rights Movement, from the Revolution to Reconstruction
Brian McCammack
Landscapes of Hope: Nature and the Great Migration in Chicago
Scott Mehaffey
A Look at the Edith Farnsworth House National Historic Site
Jeanine Michna Bales
Standing Together: Inez Milholland’s Final Campaign for Women’s Suffrage
Daniel S. Holt
Dawes’ Crusade Against the Filibuster
Evanston Architecture and History Walking Tours
The Evanston History Center offers lively docent-led walking tours of Evanston neighborhoods, downtown, and the lakefront. The tours provide fun and fascinating insights into the history of Evanston, its architecture, and the cultural landscape.
2022 brings three NEW tours exploring Evanston’s Prairie School architecture!
Evanston’s collection of noteworthy Prairie School houses exceeds the limits of a single walking tour, so we are offering three distinct tours in three areas on three different dates. Purchase the package of all three for a special price.
- Most tours meet at the Evanston History Center, 225 Greenwood Street, Evanston. Please be sure to confirm the location of the start of the tour.
- Tours begin at 11:00 AM and last for 90 minutes.
- Free street parking is available on Greenwood Street.
- There is a limit of 20 guests per tour.
- We reserve the right to cancel due to weather or unforeseen circumstances.
- Reservations and payments must be made in advance.
- Group walking tours can be scheduled by appointment. To get more information on group walking tour options, please contact us at (847) 475-3410 or e-mail Kris Hartzell.
Examples of Past Architecture and History Tours
Prairie School Gems
Evanston is a treasure trove of Prairie School architecture, where many of the best-known architects lived.
Evanston’s Activist Women in History
Frances Willard called Evanston “a paradise for women.” Trace the history of these remarkable women and discover how their achievements still have impact today.
Downtown Evanston and the African American Community
Follow the evolution of Evanston, including the role of the African American community in shaping the current cultural landscape.
Architectural Evanston: Styles and Eras
Learn how residential architectural styles in The Lakeshore Historic District reflect changing lifestyles and technologies.
Daniel Burnham: Home in Evanston
Daniel Burnham lived in Evanston, calling it “the most beautiful city in the world.” Explore his neighborhood and his work in Evanston.
Brick by Brick
Unpack the beautiful colors, textures, and patterns that compose Evanston’s remarkable architecture.