BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Evanston History Center - ECPv6.16.2//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-WR-CALNAME:Evanston History Center X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://evanstonhistorycenter.org X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Evanston History Center REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:America/Chicago BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0600 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:CDT DTSTART:20250309T080000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0600 TZNAME:CST DTSTART:20251102T070000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0600 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:CDT DTSTART:20260308T080000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0600 TZNAME:CST DTSTART:20261101T070000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0600 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:CDT DTSTART:20270314T080000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0600 TZNAME:CST DTSTART:20271107T070000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260510T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260510T160000 DTSTAMP:20260527T074614 CREATED:20260504T203609Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260514T204804Z UID:10015828-1778407200-1778428800@evanstonhistorycenter.org SUMMARY:Plein Air Paint Out with Evanston Made DESCRIPTION:

Join us for Evanston Made’s 2nd Annual Plein Air Paint Out at the Evanston History Center. Plein Air painters will be painting throughout the History Center grounds, 10am-3pm.

Watch the painter's progress throughout the day, shop for original art off the easel and attend the award ceremony at 4pm.

The award for Best in Show for the day will be judged and awarded by Kris Hartzell, Evanston History Center’s Director of Facilities, Visitor Services and Collections.

FREE

URL:https://evanstonhistorycenter.org/event/plein-air-paint-out-with-evanston-made/ LOCATION:Evanston History Center\, 225 Greenwood Street\, Evanston\, IL\, 60201\, United States CATEGORIES:Talks@EHC,Upcoming Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://evanstonhistorycenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/20250511_130734-rotated-e1778791528113.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260510T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260510T170000 DTSTAMP:20260527T074614 CREATED:20260306T174622Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260506T210315Z UID:10015737-1778418000-1778432400@evanstonhistorycenter.org SUMMARY:The 51st Annual Mother's Day House Walk DESCRIPTION:SOLD OUT! Evanston History Center’s 51st Annual Mother’s Day House Walk! This beloved tradition invites you to step inside some of Evanston’s most stunning and historically significant homes—each with their own story to tell. These homes have been selected for their architectural significance, important histories, and stunning interiors. Why You Won’t Want to Miss It:

Exclusive access to beautifully preserved homes that are rarely open to the public.
A special showcase of architectural and interior design.
An unforgettable experience full of beauty, charm, history, and cultural heritage.
On the Dawes House lawn when you come to pick up your tickets and program at the Evanston History Center, enjoy:
- Evanston Made plein air paint out! See the painters work on their easels from 10am-3pm; join us for the awards ceremony at 4pm.
- Pop up from Evanston Latinos / La Cocina Entrepreneurs where you can purchase delicious agua frescas, cafecitos and more.

Details: Date: Mother's Day - Sunday, May 10, 2026 Time: 1:00 - 5:00 p.m. Location: Houses this year are located around the Dempster St and Asbury Ave intersection. Tickets: $50 for members, $55 for non-members (Scroll down to purchase tickets) Please note: We cannot guarantee tickets will be available to purchase on the day of the House Walk. To view other frequently asked questions, please visit the House Walk information page.

Special Thanks to Our 2026 Partners:

EHC Gives Back

As we celebrate Evanston's unique and historic homes, we recognize that not everyone has access to safe and stable housing. EHC is honored to partner with YWCA to support Mary Lou's Place, YWCA's Safe Emergency Shelter for Survivors of Domestic Violence.

Ticket Details

Bring your online ticket purchase confirmation to the Dawes House - Evanston History Center on May 10th to get your program book.
The House Walk program book serves as your event ticket into the houses starting at 1:00 p.m.
If you register and do not receive a confirmation email, please contact Anna Hanson at ahanson@evanstonhistorycenter.org.

Get your tickets today and enjoy a memorable Mother's Day!

URL:https://evanstonhistorycenter.org/event/evanston-mothers-day-house-walk-2026/ LOCATION:Evanston History Center\, 225 Greenwood Street\, Evanston\, IL\, 60201\, United States CATEGORIES:Mother's Day House Walk,Upcoming Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://evanstonhistorycenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/2026-Mothers-Day-House-Walk-logo.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260513T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260513T130000 DTSTAMP:20260527T074614 CREATED:20260416T194651Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260521T191353Z UID:10015733-1778673600-1778677200@evanstonhistorycenter.org SUMMARY:Monthly Lunchtime Curiosity Cafe DESCRIPTION:Curiosity Cafe Second Wednesday of the month from 12-1pm at the Evanston History Center, 225 Greenwood St. FREE, no RSVP needed. Come to the Dawes House for coffee, lunch, and informal conversation around a variety of unique Evanston History topics. Feel free to bring a brown bag lunch; coffee and tea will be provided. Upcoming topics: June 10: Queer History in Evanston Join us during Pride Month to hear the stories of Evanstonians Phyllis Jean Athey and Mary Jo Osterman Kinheart, who in the 1980s founded Kinheart Inc., the founding of Evanston Pride, and more. Feel free to bring a brown bag lunch and to share your own stories. Coffee and tea will be provided. July 8: 75 Years of Disability Advocacy in Evanston In 1951, the first school for North Shore children with intellectual and other developmental disabilities, initially held in the Evanston home of Lois and Thomas J. Lloyd, was formally founded. Learn about the 75 year old history of Shore Community Services, the fight for disability rights in Evanston, and how it is an example to others fighting for change. August 12: Great Lakes Recreational Sailing History The Great Lakes have been the site of trade and industry for millennia, but the waterways of the Midwest also have a long and interesting history of recreation. Chicago Maritime Museum curator Madeline Crispell dives into the people, stories, and traditions that make the culture of sailing unique on our inland seas. PLEASE NOTE: There is street cleaning on the north side of Greenwood St on these Wednesdays until 1pm. Please park on the south side of Greenwood to avoid getting a ticket, if you drive here. Past Topics: January 2026: Evanston's Greenhouses February 2026: Draining Evanston, Part I March 2026: Evanston Women and the Fragile Nature of Legal Victories April 2026: Draining Evanston Part II: 21st Century May 2026: YMCA Camp Echo Through the Decades URL:https://evanstonhistorycenter.org/event/monthly-lunchtime-curiosity-cafe-2/ LOCATION:Evanston History Center\, 225 Greenwood Street\, Evanston\, IL\, 60201\, United States CATEGORIES:Upcoming Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://evanstonhistorycenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/CafesMartoAug.png ORGANIZER;CN="Evanston History Center":MAILTO:kfabian@evanstonhistorycenter.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260519T183000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260519T200000 DTSTAMP:20260527T074614 CREATED:20260225T231235Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260430T151859Z UID:10015723-1779215400-1779220800@evanstonhistorycenter.org SUMMARY:Talks@EHC The History of Chicago-area Homes\, and What They Need Now DESCRIPTION:Talks@EHC The History of Chicago-area Homes, and What They Need Now Tuesday, May 19, 6:30pm Free & Open to all. Scroll down to RSVP In-person event At the Evanston History Center 225 Greenwood Evanston, IL Older Chicagoland homes were built to solve the problems of yesterday, but what do they need to thrive today? Join American Vintage Home for an engaging look at Chicago-area home history and the current homeowner challenges that older buildings often present. What was the reason for common original design choices such as radiators under windows, galvanized pipe, and basements? How can the average homeowner address the challenges that these same features create today, such as inefficient heat loss, inconsistent moisture, airflow and air quality issues, and aging systems that lead to water quality issues? We’ll focus on what the average homeowner can realistically do to preserve the character of older homes while improving comfort and efficiency. With Vicki Parker and Cornelius Muszczynski in partnership with American Vintage Home Community Education Series Part of Home: Evanston, an exploration of what it means to make a home, and feel at home, in Evanston. About American Vintage Home

American Vintage Home takes pride in being the “Older Home Experts” across the Chicago North Shore. It understands the care, craftsmanship, and responsibility that come with maintaining an older home. From early 1900s colonials to historic lakefront properties, its team works exclusively with homes that demand specialized knowledge and thoughtful execution. Through our community's generosity, we can offer these free programs! Please consider donating $10 to support our ongoing free public programming.

Buy tickets and reserve your spot!

A confirmation email will be sent to the email you registered with. Tickets are non-refundable. If you don't receive a confirmation email, please email Erin Hughes at ehughes@evanstonhistorycenter.org. URL:https://evanstonhistorycenter.org/event/walking-evanstons-alleys/ LOCATION:Meets at the corner of Dempster and Chicago Ave. CATEGORIES:Upcoming Events,Walking Tours ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://evanstonhistorycenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/DSC_0711.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260610T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260610T130000 DTSTAMP:20260527T074614 CREATED:20260521T194615Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260521T194615Z UID:10015734-1781092800-1781096400@evanstonhistorycenter.org SUMMARY:Monthly Lunchtime Curiosity Cafe DESCRIPTION:Curiosity Cafe Second Wednesday of the month from 12-1pm at the Evanston History Center, 225 Greenwood St. FREE, no RSVP needed. Come to the Dawes House for coffee, lunch, and informal conversation around a variety of unique Evanston History topics. Feel free to bring a brown bag lunch; coffee and tea will be provided. Upcoming topics: June 10: Queer History in Evanston Join us during Pride Month to hear the stories of Evanstonians Phyllis Jean Athey and Mary Jo Osterman Kinheart, who in the 1980s founded Kinheart Inc., the founding of Evanston Pride, and more. Feel free to bring a brown bag lunch and to share your own stories. Coffee and tea will be provided. July 8: 75 Years of Disability Advocacy in Evanston In 1951, the first school for North Shore children with intellectual and other developmental disabilities, initially held in the Evanston home of Lois and Thomas J. Lloyd, was formally founded. Learn about the 75 year old history of Shore Community Services, the fight for disability rights in Evanston, and how it is an example to others fighting for change. August 12: Great Lakes Recreational Sailing History The Great Lakes have been the site of trade and industry for millennia, but the waterways of the Midwest also have a long and interesting history of recreation. Chicago Maritime Museum curator Madeline Crispell dives into the people, stories, and traditions that make the culture of sailing unique on our inland seas. PLEASE NOTE: There is street cleaning on the north side of Greenwood St on these Wednesdays until 1pm. Please park on the south side of Greenwood to avoid getting a ticket, if you drive here. Past Topics: January 2026: Evanston's Greenhouses February 2026: Draining Evanston, Part I March 2026: Evanston Women and the Fragile Nature of Legal Victories April 2026: Draining Evanston Part II: 21st Century May 2026: YMCA Camp Echo Through the Decades URL:https://evanstonhistorycenter.org/event/monthly-lunchtime-curiosity-cafe-2-2/2026-06-10/ LOCATION:Evanston History Center\, 225 Greenwood Street\, Evanston\, IL\, 60201\, United States CATEGORIES:Upcoming Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://evanstonhistorycenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/CafesMartoAug.png ORGANIZER;CN="Evanston History Center":MAILTO:kfabian@evanstonhistorycenter.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260620T110000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260620T123000 DTSTAMP:20260527T074614 CREATED:20260428T212215Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260507T165725Z UID:10015814-1781953200-1781958600@evanstonhistorycenter.org SUMMARY:Walking Tour: Brick by Brick DESCRIPTION:An exploration of the beautiful materials that compose Evanston's remarkable architecture. Observe how the colors, textures, and patterns of building materials such as stone, terra cotta, brick, and tile enhance the design of a building. Meets at Southeast Corner of Hinman Avenue and Main Street. Led by Madeline Crispell.

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Join us for pan y cafecito as we listen to diverse Latinos- including Paula Cofresi-Silverstein, author of Bomba Spirit, the leaders of Puerta Abierta Preschool, and bilingual family engagement advocate Celia Carlino- share their experiences of building lives and community in Evanston. There also will be music and an invitation to share your own story. English and Spanish translation will be available for this bilingual event.

Acompáñenos con pan y cafecito mientras escuchamos a diversas latinas compartir sus experiencias de cómo han construido sus vidas y su comunidad en Evanston. Con Paula Cofresi-Silverstein, la escritora de Bomba Spirit, las líderes de Puerta Abierta Preschool, y bilingual family engagement advocate Celia Carlino. Habrá música y una invitación a compartir tu propia historia. Traducción al inglés y al español disponible para este evento bilingüe.

co-presented with Evanston Latinos

Part of Home: Evanston, an exploration of what it means to make a home, and feel at home, in Evanston. Through our community's generosity, we can offer these free programs! Please consider donating $10 to support our ongoing free public programming.

Please click the blue "Going" button below to RSVP. A confirmation email will be sent to the email you registered with. If you don't receive a confirmation email, please email Erin Hughes at ehughes@evanstonhistorycenter.org. URL:https://evanstonhistorycenter.org/event/talksehc-nuestras-historias-en-evanston-our-stories-in-evanston/ LOCATION:Evanston History Center\, 225 Greenwood Street\, Evanston\, IL\, 60201\, United States CATEGORIES:Talks@EHC,Upcoming Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://evanstonhistorycenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Latinos6.24Simple.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260708T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260708T130000 DTSTAMP:20260527T074614 CREATED:20260521T194615Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260521T194615Z UID:10015735-1783512000-1783515600@evanstonhistorycenter.org SUMMARY:Monthly Lunchtime Curiosity Cafe DESCRIPTION:Curiosity Cafe Second Wednesday of the month from 12-1pm at the Evanston History Center, 225 Greenwood St. FREE, no RSVP needed. Come to the Dawes House for coffee, lunch, and informal conversation around a variety of unique Evanston History topics. Feel free to bring a brown bag lunch; coffee and tea will be provided. Upcoming topics: June 10: Queer History in Evanston Join us during Pride Month to hear the stories of Evanstonians Phyllis Jean Athey and Mary Jo Osterman Kinheart, who in the 1980s founded Kinheart Inc., the founding of Evanston Pride, and more. Feel free to bring a brown bag lunch and to share your own stories. Coffee and tea will be provided. July 8: 75 Years of Disability Advocacy in Evanston In 1951, the first school for North Shore children with intellectual and other developmental disabilities, initially held in the Evanston home of Lois and Thomas J. Lloyd, was formally founded. Learn about the 75 year old history of Shore Community Services, the fight for disability rights in Evanston, and how it is an example to others fighting for change. August 12: Great Lakes Recreational Sailing History The Great Lakes have been the site of trade and industry for millennia, but the waterways of the Midwest also have a long and interesting history of recreation. Chicago Maritime Museum curator Madeline Crispell dives into the people, stories, and traditions that make the culture of sailing unique on our inland seas. PLEASE NOTE: There is street cleaning on the north side of Greenwood St on these Wednesdays until 1pm. Please park on the south side of Greenwood to avoid getting a ticket, if you drive here. Past Topics: January 2026: Evanston's Greenhouses February 2026: Draining Evanston, Part I March 2026: Evanston Women and the Fragile Nature of Legal Victories April 2026: Draining Evanston Part II: 21st Century May 2026: YMCA Camp Echo Through the Decades URL:https://evanstonhistorycenter.org/event/monthly-lunchtime-curiosity-cafe-2-2/2026-07-08/ LOCATION:Evanston History Center\, 225 Greenwood Street\, Evanston\, IL\, 60201\, United States CATEGORIES:Upcoming Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://evanstonhistorycenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/CafesMartoAug.png ORGANIZER;CN="Evanston History Center":MAILTO:kfabian@evanstonhistorycenter.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260711T110000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260711T123000 DTSTAMP:20260527T074614 CREATED:20260507T165246Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260515T175846Z UID:10015863-1783767600-1783773000@evanstonhistorycenter.org SUMMARY:Walking Tour: Historic Apartment Buildings DESCRIPTION:This tour through southeast Evanston explores how the different architectural styles that were popular for Evanston's houses were also applied to its many apartment buildings. Discover how multi-family housing emerged in Evanston and adapted to changes in taste and technology. Led by Madeline Crispell. The meeting point is the South East corner of Main and Hinman

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A confirmation email will be sent to the email you registered with. Tickets are non-refundable. If you don't receive a confirmation email, please email Erin Hughes at ehughes@evanstonhistorycenter.org. URL:https://evanstonhistorycenter.org/event/walking-tour-prairie-school-lakeshore-historic-district/ LOCATION:Evanston History Center\, 225 Greenwood Street\, Evanston\, IL\, 60201\, United States CATEGORIES:Upcoming Events,Walking Tours ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://evanstonhistorycenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Griffin-Carter-house-on-Judson-rotated-e1778788989272.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260812T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260812T130000 DTSTAMP:20260527T074614 CREATED:20260521T194615Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260521T194615Z UID:10015736-1786536000-1786539600@evanstonhistorycenter.org SUMMARY:Monthly Lunchtime Curiosity Cafe DESCRIPTION:Curiosity Cafe Second Wednesday of the month from 12-1pm at the Evanston History Center, 225 Greenwood St. FREE, no RSVP needed. Come to the Dawes House for coffee, lunch, and informal conversation around a variety of unique Evanston History topics. Feel free to bring a brown bag lunch; coffee and tea will be provided. Upcoming topics: June 10: Queer History in Evanston Join us during Pride Month to hear the stories of Evanstonians Phyllis Jean Athey and Mary Jo Osterman Kinheart, who in the 1980s founded Kinheart Inc., the founding of Evanston Pride, and more. Feel free to bring a brown bag lunch and to share your own stories. Coffee and tea will be provided. July 8: 75 Years of Disability Advocacy in Evanston In 1951, the first school for North Shore children with intellectual and other developmental disabilities, initially held in the Evanston home of Lois and Thomas J. Lloyd, was formally founded. Learn about the 75 year old history of Shore Community Services, the fight for disability rights in Evanston, and how it is an example to others fighting for change. August 12: Great Lakes Recreational Sailing History The Great Lakes have been the site of trade and industry for millennia, but the waterways of the Midwest also have a long and interesting history of recreation. Chicago Maritime Museum curator Madeline Crispell dives into the people, stories, and traditions that make the culture of sailing unique on our inland seas. PLEASE NOTE: There is street cleaning on the north side of Greenwood St on these Wednesdays until 1pm. Please park on the south side of Greenwood to avoid getting a ticket, if you drive here. Past Topics: January 2026: Evanston's Greenhouses February 2026: Draining Evanston, Part I March 2026: Evanston Women and the Fragile Nature of Legal Victories April 2026: Draining Evanston Part II: 21st Century May 2026: YMCA Camp Echo Through the Decades URL:https://evanstonhistorycenter.org/event/monthly-lunchtime-curiosity-cafe-2-2/2026-08-12/ LOCATION:Evanston History Center\, 225 Greenwood Street\, Evanston\, IL\, 60201\, United States CATEGORIES:Upcoming Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://evanstonhistorycenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/CafesMartoAug.png ORGANIZER;CN="Evanston History Center":MAILTO:kfabian@evanstonhistorycenter.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260815T110000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260815T123000 DTSTAMP:20260527T074614 CREATED:20260507T170707Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260507T170707Z UID:10015865-1786791600-1786797000@evanstonhistorycenter.org SUMMARY:Walking Tour: Evanston's Alleys DESCRIPTION:Discover how Chicago became the alley capital of the country! On this tour, we'll be walking the alleyways of Evanston to explore our architecture from a new perspective and learn how public health, sanitation, and trash shaped our region. Meets at Southwest Corner of Dempster Street and Chicago Avenue. Led by Madeline Crispell

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Image Credit: Jack Weiss

This Walking Tour is based on the Design Evanston book Hidden in Plain Sight: Evanston's Double Houses published in 2025. It will cover the unique architecture of double houses in the south-central area of Evanston's Lakeshore Historic District. Highlights include the iconic Carter House by Walter Burley Griffin, the Linthicum House by Tallmadge & Watson, and the Ballard House by John Van Bergen. The tour begins at the Evanston History Center and goes south to Lee Street and back. Led by Kris Hartzell.

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Image Credit: Jack Weiss

This tour covers both the double houses featured Design Evanston's book Hidden in Plain Sight: Evanston's Double Houses and a look at the Prairie School in Evanston. The Ridge Historic District is a unique microcosm of both genres, including designs by Myron Hunt and Walter Burley Griffin. Led by Kris Hartzell. Meets at Dewey School, 1551 Wesley Avenue.

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