February 22 – March 23, 2025

The Evanston History Center is partnering with the Evanston Art Center on an exhibition, “Picturing Community: Stories in Photographs.”

Photographs from the Evanston History Center archives tell a story of Evanston’s growth as a community. The Evanston Art Center issued a call for artists to submit contemporary images of our city inspired by these photographs.

The exhibit, located in the upper galleries of the Evanston Art Center (1717 Central Street, Evanston), show cases the historic and contemporary photographs together to illustrate the commonalities we share, as well as the changes.

A small exhibit of vintage cameras will run concurrently to the Evanston History Center. It will be available for viewing during our public hours, Thursday – Sunday, 1:00 – 4:00 PM. Admission is $10.

At the Evanston Public Library, 3rd Floor, 1703 Orrington Ave.

A free exhibition at the Evanston Public Library Main Branch. “Inspiring Evanston Women” shares some of the past work of the Evanston Women’s History Project highlighting female Evanston trailblazers, along with new work spotlighting women’s contributions in healthcare. Includes a special focus on Alice Bunker Stockham, who’s first book, Tokology: A Book for Every Woman (1883) presented straightforward discussions of the physiology of human reproduction.  In collaboration with the Evanston Public Library and Hive Book Arts.

Evanston history from its beginnings to today. This wonderful interactive exhibit uses artifacts and archival materials from EHCs collection to tell the story of the community and some of the amazing people who called Evanston home.

A concise and comprehensive look at the prolific accomplishments of Charles Dawes, including his Nobel Peace Prize certificate, countless photographs, memorabilia, and film clips from his public and private appearances.

This exhibit ran from November 2024 – February 2025 and celebrated Evanston’s  iconic contributions to the toy industry and explored the Evanston History Center’s extensive collection of historic toys and games.

Highlights included many inventions designed by Evanston residents: Tinkertoys created by Charles Pajeau and Robert Petit and the many eclectic ideas of Marvin Glass, including the game of Operation and Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots.

Adding to the extravaganza were hundreds of classics from the Evanston History Center’s historic toy collection. And a spotlight on Rudolph, the beloved reindeer created by Evanstonian Robert L. May.