Wednesday, March 4, 2009 6:30pm

People, Places and Planning

Elmhurst Art Museum

This lecture discusses the urban planning and ideas used in the Burnham Plan. John Said from the City of Elmhurst’s Department of Planning, Zoning and Economic Development explores Burnham’s influence on the development of Elmhurst and how it continues to impact the planning efforts of the city.
People, Places and Planning is part of the Burnham in Elmhurst celebration. [MORE]

Tuesday, March 31, 2009 5:30pm to 9:00pm

Frank V. Dudley: Conserving Native Landscape in the Metropolis

Cliff Dwellers

James R. Dabbert will present a program on the works of landscape painter Frank V. Dudley (1868-1957).  Dudley spent forty years of his professional life as a landscape painter and he used much of his work to promote and preserve the Indiana Dunes.  Along with fellow founding members of The Cliff Dweller, Daniel Burnham and Jens Jensen, they advocated for the Forest Preserves surrounding Chicago.

Mr. Dabbert is Director of IIT's Writing Center; he is the editor and co-author of "The Indiana Dunes Revealed: The Art of Frank V. Dudley" (2006). [MORE]

Saturday, April 4, 2009 11:00am to 3:00pm

My Kind of Town (The Artist's Studio)

Art Institute of Chicago

Visit the exhibition Daniel Burnham's Plan of Chicago to see drawings for the design of Chicago from more than 100 years ago, then create your own beautiful city in a drawing. This is a drop-in workshop that meets every Saturday and Sunday (except April 12) from 11:00 a.m. -3:00 p.m. [MORE]

Tuesday, April 7, 2009 5:30pm to 6:30pm

Announcement of Pavilion Designs

Burnham Pavilions

Join Alderman Brendan Reilly, The Burnham Plan Centennial Committee, The City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs, the Art Institute of Chicago and Friends of Downtown to learn about the temporary Burnham Pavilions in Millennium Park.

[MORE]

Saturday, April 11, 2009 11:00am to 3:00pm

My Kind of Town (The Artist's Studio)

Art Institute of Chicago

Visit the exhibition Daniel Burnham's Plan of Chicago to see drawings for the design of Chicago from more than 100 years ago, then create your own beautiful city in a drawing. This is a drop-in workshop that meets every Saturday and Sunday (except April 12) from 11:00 a.m. -3:00 p.m. [MORE]

Wednesday, April 29, 2009 11:30am to 1:30pm

Weaving a Regional Vision: Grantmakers as Partners in Creating Sustainable Growth

Donors Forum

The Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) is creating a regional vision for greater Chicago with the core themes of sustainability, equity, and innovation. The vision encompasses issues of major concern to Chicago-area grantmakers: quality of life, the environment, housing, health, safety, education, economic strength, energy production and consumption, water use, intergovernmental cooperation and planning, and civic involvement. A final plan, for release in Fall 2010, will include public input through events focusing on the Burnham Centennial.

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

Dedication of 500th Protected Site

Illinois Nature Preserves Commission

May 5, 2009 brings the dedication of the 500th site protected by the Illinois Nature Preserve Commission: Deer Grove West Woodland and Wetland Nature Preserve. The Deer Grove Preserve—located in the Morainal Section of the Northeastern Morainal Natural Division in Cook County and within the boundaries of the Salt Creek Watershed—includes 786.9 acres dedicated as nature preserve and 248.8 acres dedicated as nature preserve buffer. [MORE]

Friday, May 8, 2009 6:30pm to 11:30pm

"A Masterpiece in the Making: A Tribute to Burnham" Gala

Greater North Michigan Avenue Association

Put on your best formal wear and get ready for a fabulous evening. Join 850 people in the Hyatt Regency ballroom for this much-anticipated black tie fundraiser featuring world-class dining, wine and high-level networking. Don't miss your chance to mix and mingle and dance to the music of Orchestra 33.
 
To book your table or buy tickets, call 312-642-3570 or email Polson@gnmaa.com [MORE]

Sunday, May 10, 2009 noon to 5:00pm

House Walk

Evanston History Center

The Evanston History Center's annual Mother's Day House Walk will be held in Daniel Burnham's Evanston neighborhood where he lived with his family from 1886 until his death in 1912.  Although the Burnham's home is no longer standing, the neighborhood surrounding the estate where they lived tells a fascinating story. [MORE]

Thursday, May 14, 2009 5:30pm to 9:00pm

Evolution of Grant Park 1837 to Present

Cliff Dwellers

Larry Okrent presentation of the Evolution of Grant Park 1837 to Present incudes numerous rarely seen maps, plans, and photographs as well as selections from Mr. Okrent's own aerial photgraphy archives. 

Cocktails at 5:30 (cash bar), presentation 6:30, with dinner following.  $30 per person. Call 312-922-8080 for reservations. [MORE]

Saturday, May 16, 2009 9:00am to 4:00pm

Great Chicago Places and Spaces Festival

City of Chicago

Chicago opens its doors during 11th annual Great Chicago Places and Spaces (GCPS) on May 16, 2009. For one day, the City of Chicago collaborates with architects, designers and community leaders on more than 100 free tours. The event, a program of the Mayor's Office of Special Events, was created to reflect Chicago's great architectural heritage as well as showcase "off limits" places and spaces. [MORE]

Saturday, May 16, 2009 1:00pm to 4:00pm

Spring on the Savanna

Learn more about the Kankakee Sands region by join us for Spring on the Savanna, May 16, 2009, 1pm – 4pm. Preserve tours and children’s activities are planned throughout the afternoon for people to interact with the newly dedicated open land.
Directions to the Mskoda Preserve:

From Chicago and points North, East and West: [MORE]

Sunday, May 17, 2009 2:00pm to 4:00pm

The Amazing Chase: A Murder Mystery Game

Glencoe Historical Society

Daniel Burnham murdered? By whom? Louis Sullivan? Bertha Palmer? Edward Bennett? Join the Glencoe Historical Society for a fun-filled afternoon (rain or shine) as the society's annual Amazing Chase turns into a mystery based on the board game Clue. Learn about Burnham, Bennett, Palmer and all the players from 1909 (and others) as teams -- families or just groups of friends -- travel around the "board" in downtown Glencoe to find ou t how the architect was killed and by whom. Was it Sullivan in the Village Hall with the tee-square? That's for the teams to figure out! [MORE]

Wednesday, May 27, 2009 to Saturday, August 8, 2009

Read Around Chicago: Children's Summer Reading Club

Glen Ellyn Public Library

Glen Ellyn library card holders and students of all Glen Ellyn schools are invited to participate in the 2009 Summer Reading Club.  Students in 5th Grade or Younger and students in 6th to 8th Grades keep track of the minutes they read or are read to by someone. Come in every week starting June 15 for a chance to win in special drawings. [MORE]

Wednesday, May 27, 2009 10:00am to 3:00pm

Sneak Preview: GO TO 2040 "Invent the Future" Workshop

Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP)

At this event to kick off CMAP's "Invent the Future" phase of the GO TO 2040 regional planning campaign, you will be the first to experience interactive tools that will let residents create, share, and compare their future scenarios. In addition to workshops like this, the software will be available starting June 1 at www.goto2040.org and in kiosks at dozens of locations that include Millennium Park, Metra stations, libraries and festivals across the region. [MORE]

Friday, June 5, 2009 5:00pm to 8:00pm

First Fridays at Five - Ridin' the Rails

Lubeznik Center for the Arts

First Fridays at Five - In the spirit of our railroad-related exhibition, "Ridin' the Rails" will feature a live "jug" band and hobo inspired appetizers. Everyone is welcome!

First Fridays at Five are monthly themed events held at the Lubeznik Center for the Arts that provide entertainment, usually a live performance, as well as networking and social opportunities. This is a fun evening where everyone can unwind after work on a Friday with friends - old and new. [MORE]

Friday, June 5, 2009 7:00pm

Meet the Artist - Joe O'Grady

Orland Park Public Library

Photographer Joe O'Grady will show and discuss his photographic study of Daniel Burnham structures. [MORE]

Saturday, June 6, 2009 1:30pm to 7:00pm

Calumet-Sag Trail Groundbreaking

Calumet-Sag Trail Coalition

The public is invited to participate in a ceremonial groundbreaking and dedication event  – reminiscent of the Transcontinental Railroad that connected our country more than 150 years ago – with symbolic green shovels instead of Golden Spikes.  [MORE]

Thursday, June 11, 2009 7:00pm to 8:30pm

Dream Train for Kids

Lubeznik Center for the Arts

Hop on the Dream Train! In conjunction with the "Interurban Trains & Tourism" exhibit, children are invited to design their own fantastic version of train transportation. While grown-ups attend the "Duneland Escape" presentation in the gallery, kids can participate in this fun workshop that will stimulate their imagination in the NIPSCO Art Education Studios. Children, parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and friends can all join in on the fun.

Admission: Free to LCA members and $3 for non-members. [MORE]

Monday, June 15, 2009

Virtual Burnham Initiative: Web Launch!

Lake Forest College

 

We bring you the City that Never Was.

The Virtual Burnham Initiative (VBI) transforms a selection of flat images from the 1909 Plan of Chicago—by Daniel H. Burnham and Edward H. Bennett into 3-D models accessible through the VBI website and navigable in Google Earth.  [MORE]

Thursday, June 18, 2009 6:30pm to 9:00pm

The Calumet Celebrates the Burnham Plan

Calumet Ecological Park Association

The Calumet Ecological Park Association will host a special evening of presentations to celebrate the Burnham Plan Centennial. Presentations will focus on different aspects of planning for Calumet from the past through the present and into the future.

Presenters and their topics include: [MORE]

Thursday, June 18, 2009 7:00pm to 8:30pm

South Shore: The Last Interurban Railroad

Lubeznik Center for the Arts

How did the development and presence of the South Shore in Northwest Indiana transcend Daniel Burnham’s vision and more importantly, how does its presence allow for continued bold and ambitious plans in the future? Join Stephen Loeb will who cover the past, present and future of the South Shore supported by dozens of rare and historical photographs from the Shore Line Interurban Historical Society’s South Shore collection. [MORE]

Friday, June 19, 2009 noon to Sunday, June 21, 2009 noon

Burnham Pavilions Grand Opening Weekend

Burnham Pavilions

The official opening of the Burnham Pavilions in Millennium Park takes place Friday, June 19 at noon on the South Chase Promenade. [MORE]

Friday, June 19, 2009 5:00pm to 8:00pm

A Night at the Symphony

DePaul University

Century in Motion Festival:  Join the DePaul community for a reception at the DePaul Center to mark the beginning of our festival, followed by a stroll to the Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park to enjoy the world premiere of Plans, a work for symphony and chorus specially commissioned by the Grant Park Music Festival to celebrate the 1909 Plan of Chicago Centennial. [MORE]

Friday, June 19, 2009 5:00pm

A Night at the Symphony

DePaul University

Join the DePaul community for a reception at the DePaul Center to mark the beginning of the Century in Motion festival, followed by a stroll to the Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park (205 East Randolph Drive) to enjoy the world premiere of Plans, a new work for orchestra and chorus composed by Michael Torke to celebrate the 1909 Plan of Chicago Centennial. Reception begins at 5 p.m. in the DePaul Center. [MORE]

Monday, June 22, 2009 10:00am to Sunday, June 28, 2009 3:00pm

Burnham Week: Building the City

City of Chicago

As part of the Summer 2009 Family Fun Festival, join the Chicago Architecture Foundation in the Millennium Park Family Tent for Burnham Week: Building the City. This is an opportunity to celebrate Chicago's past, present and future with hands-on building and architectural activities in honor of the 100th anniversary of Daniel Burnham's great Plan of Chicago. Activities will take place daily from 10 a.m.until 3:00 pm. [MORE]

Tuesday, June 23, 2009 6:00pm to 8:00pm

The World According to Burnham and Bennett: Virtual Burnham Initiative Roll-out

Lake Forest College

Century in Motion Festival:  Join Lake Forest College for a fast-paced “virtual tour” of Burnham and Bennett’s Chicago. We will see flat images from the 1909 Plan of Chicago evolve into fascinating 3-D models and learn how the Virtual Burnham Initiative is encouraging participants to create structures from the past and develop visions for the future of our region. [MORE]

Thursday, June 25, 2009 6:00pm

Public Art in the Digital Era: Public Art Panel

Hyde Park Art Center

In the past few decades there has been increased intersection between public art and digital technology.The Hyde Park Art Center’s own digital catwalk façade acts as both public art display and an interactive use of digital technology. But where is this all headed? Where did it begin? Join us as our panel discusses the growing relationship between technology and public art.
  [MORE]

Saturday, June 27, 2009 1:00pm

Make No Little Cakes

Eli's Cheesecake

Eli's Cheesecake, Chicago's favorite dessert, is proud to partner with the Burnham Plan Centennial by creating a giant cheesecake commemorating the 100th anniversary of the presentation of the Plan of Chicago along with the 29th birthdays of Eli's Cheesecake and the Taste of Chicago. [MORE]

Saturday, July 4, 2009 10:00am to noon

100th Anniversary of the Presentation of the Plan of Chicago

Chicago History Museum

Join the Chicago History Museum for an extraordinary Fourth of July celebration. This Independence Day marks the Museum’s 49th annual festivities and commemorates the 100th anniversary of the official presentation of the Plan of Chicago to the City.

Monday, July 13, 2009 7:30pm to 9:00pm

Our Future Metropolis: Mr. D.H. Burnham Presents a Plain Talk for the Development of Chicago

Lookingglass Theatre Company

Adapted and Directed by Ensemble Member John Musial, the production draws from the archives of the Burnham and Ryerson Library at the Art Institute of Chicago to recreate the initial presentation of Burnham's Plan to the public. These will be the first public performance of Burnham’s original speech since it was first delivered a century ago. [MORE]

Tuesday, July 14, 2009 8:45am to 4:00pm

Make Big Plans: Daniel Burnham’s Centennial

Schaumburg Township District Library

Happy 100th to the 1909 Plan of Chicago! Begin with a presentation at the Chicago Cultural Center and a visit to the Harold Washington Library’s special exhibit. Travel to Jackson Park, Burnham Park, Northerly Island and Lincoln Park as Chicago Cultural Center guides detail the genius of Daniel Burnham, who shaped the city and Chicago history. Fee: $51 includes lunch.

Tuesday, July 14, 2009 6:30pm to 8:00pm

Our Future Metropolis: Mr. D.H. Burnham Presents a Plain Talk for the Development of Chicago

Lookingglass Theatre Company

Adapted and Directed by Ensemble Member John Musial, the production draws from the archives of the Burnham and Ryerson Library at the Art Institute of Chicago to recreate the initial presentation of Burnham's Plan to the public. These will be the first public performance of Burnham’s original speech since it was first delivered a century ago. [MORE]

Tuesday, July 14, 2009 7:00pm

Planning Orland Park, Planning Chicago

Orland Park Public Library

“Make no little plans” was clearly the motto of Daniel Burnham and his partner Edward Bennett. Just what does it mean for Chicago's suburbs and specifically Orland Park? Join local architect Max Bianchini as he compares the planning of the buildings, transportation systems and green space of Orland Park and Chicago. [MORE]

Wednesday, July 15, 2009 10:00am

Book Discussion

Palos Park Public Library

The Plan of Chicago: Daniel Burnham and the Remaking of the American City  by Carl S. Smith will be discussed by the book discussion group on Wednesday, July 15 at 10:00 a.m. [MORE]

Thursday, July 16, 2009 9:00am to 5:00pm

Burnham 100 x 100 Visioning Charrette

American Society of Landscape Architects - Illinois Chapter

The Illinois Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects and the Burnham Plan Centennial Committee invite you to celebrate the 2009 Centennial of Daniel Burnham’s Plan of Chicago, joining Chicago and the Midwest Region’s leading Landscape Architects at the Burnham 100 x 100 Visioning Charrette, to be held at the Chicago Cultural Center, Thursday, July 16th, 2009. [MORE]

Sunday, July 19, 2009 2:00pm to 3:30pm

Daniel Burnham

Northbrook Public Library

Celebrate the 100th anniversary of Daniel Burnham's 1909 Plan of Chicago.  Actor historian R.J. Lindsey portrays Daniel Burnham as he narrates a slide presentation that begins with the Chicago Fire of 1871, features Burnham's innovative buildings including Montauk, Monadnock, Reliance and the Rookery, the "White City" of the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition, and concludes with illustrations of his Chicago Plan. 

This event is cosponsored by the Friends of the Library and the Northbrook Historical Society. [MORE]

Sunday, July 19, 2009 5:00pm

"The White City: Burnham's Dream"

Lubeznik Center for the Arts

A preview concert reading of a musical.

"The White City: Daniel Burnham's Dream" sings the story of the 1893 World's Fair in Chicago, the Columbian Exposition, planned and constructed under the leadership of Daniel Burnham. It is a story of contrast and comedy, potential and challenge. What he learned in creating the White City inspired Burnham's vision for the City of Chicago. The musical traces his challenges and personal journey from architect for the rich to humanist, concerned with making the city of Chicago a better place for all its people. [MORE]

Monday, July 20, 2009 7:30pm to 9:00pm

Our Future Metropolis: Mr. D.H. Burnham Presents a Plain Talk for the Development of Chicago

Lookingglass Theatre Company

Adapted and Directed by Ensemble Member John Musial, the production draws from the archives of the Burnham and Ryerson Library at the Art Institute of Chicago to recreate the initial presentation of Burnham's Plan to the public. These will be the first public performance of Burnham’s original speech since it was first delivered a century ago. [MORE]

Monday, July 27, 2009 2:00pm to 4:00pm

Experience the Plan of Chicago through Geocaching

Chicago Public Library

For teens ages fourteen-up, parents and educators. This hands-on experience allows participants to discover the history of Chicago while using 21st century tools. Join experienced Geocachers (treasure-hunters who use Global Positioning System devices) in a hunt to rediscover 1909 Chicago. Using handheld GPS units, participants will tour several historic spots that Daniel Burnham used to create the Plan of Chicago while hunting for clues to enhance this journey through time. Pre-registration required. [MORE]

Wednesday, July 29, 2009 noon

Art Options: You Feel Me?

Urban Gateways Center for Arts Education

This community play—written and performed by students in Urban Gateways' Art Options program—is the culmination of a four-week summer apprenticeship theater and digital music program for middle and high school students working with master teaching artists Maia Morgan, Shawn Wallace and visiting artist from Tanzania, Grace Gachocha. This international collaboration is an exploration of what it means to be in community. [MORE]

Saturday, August 1, 2009 8:30am to 2:00pm

Open Streets

Active Transportation Alliance

See what it’s like when streets are filled with people and the street becomes your playground. Open Streets--celebrates Chicago's boulevards that were part of the Burnham Plan--and  will give friends and families the chance to enjoy the streets the way they want: biking, dancing, playing, walking and more!

The free event combines last year’s two Sunday Parkways event into one huge eight-mile event. Like last year, Open Streets will span from Logan Square to Little Village, passing through Humboldt Park, North Lawndale and Garfield Park along the way.

Wednesday, August 5, 2009 5:30pm

Talks with the Team - August

Burnham Pavilions

Talks with the Team is a series of free informal tours of, and talks about the Burnham Pavilions featuring the staff and professionals involved with the project. Learn directly from the insiders about the planning, design, construction, techniques, artistry and technology involved in making the Burnham Pavilions a reality. Each team member brings their own emphasis to the talk, and will share their unique perspective. August Team members include:
  [MORE]

Saturday, August 8, 2009 9:00am to 10:30am

Burnham By Boat

Wendella Boats

The Burnham Plan of 1909 launched Chicago into an era of unparalleled dreams fueled by the imagination of two great men, Daniel Burnham and Edward Bennett. Their vision for the city resulted in the creation of Wacker Drive, the Michigan Avenue bridge, Northerly Island, Grant Park and much more. In celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Burnham Plan, Wendella Boats is offering an opportunity to learn about the life and legacy of these two men, with emphasis on Daniel Burnham. [MORE]

Wednesday, August 12, 2009 10:00am

Stickney Water Reclamation Plant Tour

Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago

Go behind the scenes of one of the largest wastewater treatment facilities in the world! You’ll get to see the first pumping station built in 1930 and also take a tour of the new state-of-the-art facility built in 2007. Find out how this plant serves 2.38 million people over a 260-square mile area each and every day! [MORE]

Wednesday, August 12, 2009 5:00pm to 7:00pm

Experience the Plan of Chicago through Geocaching

Chicago Public Library

For teens ages fourteen-up, parents and educators. This hands-on experience allows participants to discover the history of Chicago while using 21st century tools. Join experienced Geocachers (treasure-hunters who use Global Positioning System devices) in a hunt to rediscover 1909 Chicago. Using handheld GPS units, participants will tour several historic spots that Daniel Burnham used to create the Plan of Chicago while hunting for clues to enhance this journey through time. Pre-registration required. [MORE]

Wednesday, August 19, 2009 5:30pm

Talks with the Team - August

Burnham Pavilions

Talks with the Team is a series of free informal tours of, and talks about the Burnham Pavilions featuring the staff and professionals involved with the project. Learn directly from the insiders about the planning, design, construction, techniques, artistry and technology involved in making the Burnham Pavilions a reality. Each team member brings their own emphasis to the talk, and will share their unique perspective. August Team members include:
  [MORE]

Wednesday, September 2, 2009 7:30pm to 9:00pm

Make No Little Plans: Daniel Burnham and the American City

Archimedia Workshop

This documentary film, making its world premiere at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park, explores the fascinating life and complex legacy of architect and city planner Daniel Hudson Burnham and how his vision to organize the chaos of the nineteenth century America shaped the nation's towns and cities for generations. [MORE]

Friday, September 11, 2009 6:30pm

Burnham Birthday Celebration

DePaul University

In honor of Daniel Burnham's 163rd bithday, DePaul University is hosting a reception and banquet dinner. Faculty, staff, students, alumni and the public are invited to join in celebrating DePaul's commitment to making "no little plans." The evening's festivities will recognize all of the great activities on campus revolving around the centennial of the Plan of Chicago as well as the exciting collaborations and civic partnerships forged over the past years. [MORE]

Saturday, September 12, 2009 9:00am to 10:30am

Burnham By Boat

Wendella Boats

The Burnham Plan of 1909 launched Chicago into an era of unparalleled dreams fueled by the imagination of two great men, Daniel Burnham and Edward Bennett. Their vision for the city resulted in the creation of Wacker Drive, the Michigan Avenue bridge, Northerly Island, Grant Park and much more. In celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Burnham Plan, Wendella Boats is offering an opportunity to learn about the life and legacy of these two men, with emphasis on Daniel Burnham. [MORE]

Sunday, September 13, 2009 7:00am to 5:00pm

Bike Burnham's Dream: Boulevard Lakefront Tour

Active Transportation Alliance

Participants can explore the treasures of Chicago's vivid history on bike in the 21st annual Boulevard Lakefront Tour on Sunday, Sept. 13. Ride along Chicago's grand boulevards, lush parks and historic neighborhoods. Choose from 15-, 27-, 35- or 62-mile routes that immerse you in Chicago’s stories and culture. Registration includes a T-shirt, rest and water stops, and a ride-guide detailing points of interest. Post-ride festivities include a picnic lunch on Goose Island and live music.

Thursday, September 17, 2009 7:00pm

City Beautiful: Celebrating the Burnham Centennial

Orland Park Public Library

Jeff Mishur of Art Excursions explores the Burnham plan along with its origins and sources. Learn about the full scope of the 1909 plan and its relationship to European and American precedents. Follow the transition from the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition to the City Beautiful Movement so eloquently manifested in Burnham's plan for Chicago. [MORE]

Saturday, September 19, 2009 11:00am to 12:30pm

Lego Time Youth Services Program

Orland Park Public Library

Children are invited to become a “Lego Architect” and build Lego structures in honor of Daniel Burnham. These structures will be on display at the library during the month of October. [MORE]

Thursday, September 24, 2009 7:00pm

No Little Plans: Roads of Daniel Burnham's Plan of Chicago

Warren-Newport Public Library

2009 is the 100th anniversary of Burnham's Plan of Chicago, which was instrumental in influencing the development of Chicagoland as we know it today. Dave Clark will present the Plan's road-building concepts and the design of radiating and encircling highways throughout Chicago and the suburbs. We will also look at how different the area would be if streetcars and much of the rail system hadn't been dismantinled in favor of cars and trucks. [MORE]

Friday, September 25, 2009 10:30am to 12:30pm

Englewood Remaking America!

Openlands

Be part of this history-making unveiling. In the Centennial of Daniel Burnham's Plan of Chicago, Englewood is planning for the 21st century and making No Small Plans.
Greater Englewood residents and stakeholders who believe in a new green economy for this community are invited to the debut of a Vision for Open Space that includes: the New ERA Trail, Community Parks and Gardens & Green Business Development. Refreshments provided.
  [MORE]

Friday, September 25, 2009 6:00pm to 7:00pm

Daniel H. Burnham' Presents: Make No Little Plans

Swedenborg Library

This is a unique opportunity to learn about important events in Chicago history first-hand, by Chicagoan and architect Daniel H. Burnham, in his own club, The Cliff Dwellers. [MORE]

Saturday, September 26, 2009 11:00am to 4:00pm

Daniel Burnham Scavenger Hunt

WBEZ Radio 91.5 FM

Join us for a city-wide scavenger hunt, celebrating the life and work of Daniel Burnham.  This day-long scavenger hunt will have a total of three separate hunts. Do one, two, or all three to compete. The three hunts will take place in the Loop, the South Loop and Hyde Park. Cars aren't necessary, though you may want to use bicycles or the CTA. You decide the order of your hunts. The overall winner must complete all three hunts. [MORE]

Sunday, September 27, 2009 2:00pm

Daniel Burnham and the Plan of Chicago

Wilmette Historical Museum

Judith Paine McBrien, filmmaker and Wilmette resident, discusses her feature-length documentary Make No Little Plans: Daniel Burnham and the American City, which premiered September 2 in Millennium Park.

Tuesday, September 29, 2009 6:00pm to 10:00pm

Pecha Kucha Night

City of Chicago

Conceived in 2003 as a place for young designers to meet, network and show their work in public, Pecha Kucha Night is a patented presentation format during which each presenter is allowed 20 images, each shown for 20 seconds each – giving 6 minutes 40 seconds of fame before the next presenter is up. This special Burnham Edition is emceed by: [MORE]

Saturday, October 3, 2009 5:00pm to 8:00pm

Burnham and Bennett from the Boat: A Special River Cruise with Geoffrey Baer

Chicago Architecture Foundation

CAF docent and WTTW Channel 11 program host Geoffrey Baer leads a special river cruise that looks at infrastructure and planning as they relate to Burnham and Bennett’s 1909 Plan of Chicago. As we travel the South and Main Branches of the Chicago River, Baer discusses the 1929 straightening of the river, the creation of Congress Parkway and the Plan’s ingenious infrastructure recommendations including the double-decked Wacker Drive and the Michigan Avenue Bridge. [MORE]

Sunday, October 4, 2009 3:00pm

Daniel Burnham’s Chicago: Historical Reenactment

Actor and historian Terry Lynch presents Daniel Burnham, architect of the Chicago Plan, discussing Chicago's history and his strategy to create to create a well-ordered and convenient city. [MORE]

Tuesday, October 6, 2009 6:00pm

One Book, One Chicago: The Unraveling of Chicago Public Housing

Chicago Public Library

D. Bradford Hunt -- Associate Professor of Social Science at Roosevelt University and author of Blueprint for Disaster: The Unraveling of Chicago Public Housing -- reflects on Chicago public housing from its New Deal roots through the current Mayor Daley's Plan for Transformation.
 
Presented in partnership with Chicago Matters and the National Public Housing Museum. [MORE]

Saturday, October 10, 2009 11:00am to 8:00pm

Mobile Bold Plans Big Dreams Art Gallery

Art On Track

Join Art on Track artists who will transform an orange line elevated train car into an environment constructed to blend educational information with their depictions of the future here in Chicago. The mobile Bold Plans Big Dreams gallery will feature artwork ranging from the conceptual to site-specific and include sculpture, painting, and installations. [MORE]

Saturday, October 10, 2009 1:00pm to 3:00pm

YOUmedia presents "Planning Our Urban Future"

Chicago Public Library

As a part of One Book, One Chicago, a group of 57 teens have been reading Carl Smith’s book, The Plan of Chicago: Daniel Burnham and the Remaking of the American City and working with YOUmedia mentors to create digital pieces which address issues in their neighborhood and present real workable solutions to these challenges.  [MORE]

Saturday, October 10, 2009 5:00pm to 7:00pm

Burnham in Evanston Talk

Evanston History Center

Wine and cheese reception, viewing of the Daniel Burnham's Evanston exhibit and video presentation about Daniel Burnham's life in Evanston and professional career. Hosted by Design Evanston and Evanston History Center. [MORE]

Tuesday, October 13, 2009 6:00pm

Daniel Burnham Dinner and Film Screening: "Make No Little Plans"

Union League Club of Chicago

At this members-only event, the Union League Club of Chicago celebrates the legacy of one of its most famous members, Daniel Hudson Burnham. Executive Chef Michael Garbin prepares a Burnham-themed dinner menu featuring dishes that would have been served during the time that Burnham dined at the Club in the early 1900s. The meal is followed by a screening of the full-length documentary Make No Little Plans. Director Judith McBrien answers questions after the screening. [MORE]

Wednesday, October 14, 2009 7:00pm

Daniel Burnham: Make No Little Plans

St. Charles Public Library District

An historical portrayal of Daniel Burnham by R.J. Lindsey will be presented in the Library’s Carnegie Community Room. As Daniel Burnham, Mr. Lindsey will narrate a slide program detailing the Chicago Fire of 1871, the building of the 1893 World's Columbian Exhibition, and the Chicago Plan of 1909 outlining the development plan for the city. [MORE]

Thursday, October 15, 2009 7:00pm

Chicago Through the Eyes of Daniel Burnham

Oswego Public Library

Daniel Burnham, architect of the 1909 Plan of Chicago, leads you through the history of the city he loved so well. From the Fort Dearborn Massacre to the Columbian Exposition of 1893; from the Union Stockyards to the city's fabulous architecture. Burnam — played by actor and historian Terry Lynch — will introduce you to the people and events that shaped the "Windy City" and helped to transform it from the "Wild Onion" to the "City of Big Shoulders." [MORE]

Sunday, October 18, 2009 2:00pm

Eastland Disaster: "Chicago's Titanic"

Aurora Public Library

On July 24, 1915, the SS Eastland was boarding passengers along the Chicago River for an all-day picnic excursion. But during boarding, something went terribly wrong—the Eastland rolled into the river with more than 2000 people aboard. More than 800 people lost their lives that day. The Eastland Disaster Historical Society tells the story of what became known as “Chicago’s Titanic”—the tragedy & its causes, the rescue efforts, and the impact on the families who were there that fateful day.
  [MORE]

Tuesday, October 20, 2009 7:00pm

Contra Burnham: Why We Need More Little Plans

Although Daniel Burnham probably never spoke the famous words "Make no little plans," Chicago area planners, politicians, architects and reformers have long taken them as a commandment. At what point do Big Plans become counterproductive? Do we neglect what's already been built--which requires maintenance and adjustment--in the rush to the next Big Plan? Are Big Plans like the 1909 Plan of Chicago appropriate, or even possible, for the 21st Century? [MORE]

Saturday, October 24, 2009 2:30pm

Chicago on Screen

Aurora Public Library

Sarah Marcus of the Chicago Historical Society takes you on a history of Chicago through television and film. From its early twentieth century role as a movie-making center to its curent on-screen appearances, the city and its residents have played integral roles in the history of film. Using a variety of clips, this presentation explores the intersecting histories of two cities—the real city of Chicago and the "reel" city seen on screen—and reflects on lasting impressions created by flashing images on the screen.
  [MORE]

Sunday, October 25, 2009 1:00pm

Burnham's Vision Today: Open Space as a Necessity, Not a Luxury

Fox Valley Reads

Discover why the Chicago area boasts some of the best open space systems in the nation. This slide presentation of preserved, restored and protected areas in the local area offers examples of environmental stewardship's best practices. Tour the nature trails and restored prairie around the Waubonsee Community College Sugar Grove campus.

 

Sponsored by the Aurora Public Library and presented in cooperation with the Conservation Foundation, Naperville, IL. [MORE]

Monday, October 26, 2009 6:00pm

Parks, Squares, Lawns, Woods, and Dales: The Burghs of Fictive Chicago

DePaul University

Chicago writers Billy Lombardo, Gina Frangello and Eric May read from their work and consider how Chicago as a city of lines and borders crafted by civic history has defined them as writers, teachers and editors. The authors will address this city of interwoven villages, and how it has informed the insights offered in their poetry and prose. Sponsored by DePaul University's Department of English as part of the citywide One Book, One Chicago program. [MORE]

Tuesday, October 27, 2009 7:00pm

The Great Chicago Fire of 1871: A Presentation and Tour of the Aurora Regional Fire Museum

Fox Valley Reads

Did the cow do it? What was so "great" about the Chicago Fire? Did you know that Aurora sent firefighters to battle the big blaze? Join us for a lively discussion/multimedia presentation on the history of the Great Chicago Fire. Following the program, visitors have an opportunity to see real artifacts that survived the Great Chicago Fire and tour the Aurora Regional Fire Museum's interactive exhibit "Getting There, Getting Water, Getting Rescued."
  [MORE]

Wednesday, October 28, 2009 noon

"What Makes Your Place Great?" Roundtable

Metropolitan Planning Council

This summer, the Metropolitan Planning Council asked residents of the region to submit photos or videos of their favorite public spaces to the "What Makes Your Place Great?" contest. The response was overwhelming; More than 50 submissions from around the region - from gardens and public plazas to coffee shops and hiking trails - were nominated. Come hear the people behind the winning submissions talk about the history of their favorite places, why they nominated them for the contest and what they mean to them and their community. [MORE]

Wednesday, October 28, 2009 5:30pm to 8:30pm

Find Your Cause

Chicago Associate Board Presidents Council (CABPC)

Find Your Cause brings together two prominent groups in Chicago, our non-profits and young professionals, in order to inform and inspire individuals to get involved in the organizations that champion philanthropic action.
  [MORE]

Thursday, October 29, 2009 6:00pm to 7:00pm

Millennium Park: Creating a Chicago Landmark

Chicago Public Library

Ed Uhlir, Executive Director of Millennium Park, discusses the art, architecture and landscape of Millennium Park in a brief history of the project as well as the economic and social impact of what has become one of the most popular summer tourist destinations in the country.
  [MORE]

Thursday, October 29, 2009 6:00pm

Make No Medium-Sized Plans

Graham Foundation for Advanced Studies in the Fine Arts

Dan Wood — principal at New York-based WORKac (Work Architecture Company) and Adjunct Professor at Princeton University's School of Architecture — presents this lecture in conjunction with the exhibition Actions: What You Can Do With the City. [MORE]

Thursday, October 29, 2009 7:00pm

No Little Plans: The Roads of Daniel Burnham's Plan of Chicago

Messenger Public Library

Take a look at Daniel Burnham's concepts for road building that included grand boulevards, as well as a system of radiating and encircling highways throughout Chicago and the suburbs. He wrote, "While good highways are of great value to the terminal cities, they are of even greater value to the outlying towns and of greatest value to the farming communities through which they pass." This presentation looks at the four encircling and many radiating highways proposed by The Plan and how that plan differed markedly from our current dependence on tollways and expressways. [MORE]

Sunday, November 1, 2009 2:00pm to 4:00pm

Edward Bennett and the Plan of Chicago

Lake Forest Preservation Foundation

Edward H. Bennett is often an overlooked aspect of the 1909 Plan of Chicago. Fresh from his diploma at the École de Paris, he brought a French classic perspective to the preparation of the Plan. He also adapted to changing cultural situations in ways Daniel Burnham would not have foreseen. [MORE]

Tuesday, November 3, 2009 7:00pm

The Plan of Chicago Presentation

Oswego Public Library

Jeff Mishur of Art Excursions speaks about Daniel Burnham's vision for Chicago and its environs. From the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition to the City Beautiful Movement, this presentation will depict how Burnham's plan shaped Chicago and suburbs for generations of residents and visitors. [MORE]

Wednesday, November 4, 2009 6:00pm

Did Someone Say Participate?

Graham Foundation for Advanced Studies in the Fine Arts

This event has been canceled due to illness.
 
Berlin-based architect and researcher Markus Miessen — editor of the 2006 anthology Did Someone Say Participate?: An Atlas of Spatial Practice and 2007's The Violence of Participation — presents this lecture related to the exhibition Actions: What You Can Do With the City. [MORE]

Wednesday, November 4, 2009 7:00pm

Burnham Smackdown!

Urban Habitat Chicago

7 panelists. 1 moderator. You be the judge.
 
Architecture journalist Lynn Becker moderates this fast-paced discussion featuring a band of urban experts who each take on one aspect of the 1909 Plan of Chicago by Burnham and Bennett, make it relevant and accessible by bringing it up-to-date, then offer real-world solutions on how it might be implemented.
 
Speakers: [MORE]

Thursday, November 5, 2009 10:30am
Thursday, November 5, 2009 7:00pm

Daniel Burnham’s Chicago: Historical Reenactment

Blue Island Public Library

Actor and historian Terry Lynch presents Daniel Burnham, architect of the Chicago Plan, discussing Chicago's history and his strategy to create to create a well-ordered and convenient city.
 
The 10:30 a.m. performance is for school children.  The 7 p.m. presentation is for all. [MORE]

Thursday, November 5, 2009 5:30pm to 7:30pm

A Conversation with the Critics: Imagining the Future of the City

Chicago Architecture Foundation

Edward Lifson, cultural critic and creator of Chicago Public Radio’s Hello Beautiful!, moderates a panel that includes: [MORE]

Thursday, November 5, 2009 10:30am
Thursday, November 5, 2009 7:00pm

Daniel Burnham’s Chicago: Historical Reenactment

Blue Island Public Library

Actor and historian Terry Lynch presents Daniel Burnham, architect of the Chicago Plan, discussing Chicago's history and his strategy to create to create a well-ordered and convenient city.
 
The 10:30 a.m. performance is for school children.  The 7 p.m. presentation is for all. [MORE]

Sunday, November 8, 2009 2:00pm to 3:30pm

No Little Plans: The Roads of Daniel Burnham's Plan of Chicago

River Forest Public Library

Daniel Burnham's Plan of Chicago was created in 1909. Transportation Historian Dave Clark will tell the story of the roads of the Plan of Chicago in pictures and music, and he will take us on a photographic road trip of the successes of the Plan, the concepts for highways and railroads that would have created a much-different Chicago Region and the lessons to be learned from the Plan today. [MORE]

Monday, November 9, 2009 1:00pm to 3:00pm

Burnham's Chicago

Town and Country Public Library

See Chicago through the eyes of the finest tour guide in the state. Terry Lynch, actor and member of the National Speaker's Association presents an interactive program of Burnham's plan for Chicago.  [MORE]

Tuesday, November 10, 2009 7:00pm

Rick Kogan: The Burnham Legacy

Blue Island Public Library

Rick Kogan — popular Chicago Tribune columnist and host of WGN radio's Sunday Papers with Rick Kogan — considers how Burnham’s legacy is a confusing yet wonderful thing. Kogan talks about the city behind the skyscrapers, telling stories of people and a city that exists apart from grand plans. [MORE]

Thursday, November 12, 2009 6:00pm

Lecture: Srdjan Jovanovic Weiss

Graham Foundation for Advanced Studies in the Fine Arts

Srdjan Jovanovic Weiss, founder of Philadelphia-based NAO (Normal Architecture Office), presents a lecture in conjunction with the exhibition Actions: What You Can Do With the City. Weiss is an architect educated at Harvard University and Belgrade University. His book Almost Architecture explores the roles of architecture vis-a-vis democratic processes, abrupt political changes and architectural appearance of post-communist ideologies. [MORE]

Saturday, November 14, 2009 11:00am to 4:30pm

Think Big Youth Expo

Chicago Humanities Festival

One hundred years ago, Daniel Burnham and Edward Bennett issued the Plan of Chicago to give people great ideas about how to make the city and region a better place. [MORE]

Tuesday, November 17, 2009 7:30pm

Make No Little Plans: Daniel Burnham and the American City

Landmark Conservancy

As part of the Landmark Conservancy's seventh annual Fr. Baar Architecture Lecture series, director Judith McBrien introduces her new documentary. The film explores the fascinating life and complex legacy of Daniel Hudson Burnham and how his vision to organize the chaos of 19th century America shaped the nation's towns and cities for generations.
 
The film, the first full-length documentary about Burnham, was produced by The Archimedia Workshop in consultation with Kartemquin Films. [MORE]

Saturday, November 21, 2009 11:00am to noon

"Burnham's Chicago," presented by actor Terry Lynch

Hammond Public Library

History comes alive as actor Terry Lynch portrays architect Daniel Burnham at the Hammond Public Library. This is a joint meeting of the Friends of the Library and the Hammond Historical Society. The presentation is free and open to the public. The library is at 564 State Street (between State and Sibley streets, at Sohl Avenue), Hammond, IN. [MORE]

Monday, November 30, 2009 7:00pm

City Beautiful: Celebrating the Burnham Plan Centennial

Chicago Ridge Public Library

The year 2009 marks the centennial of Daniel Burnham's visionary plan for Chicago and its environs.  Burnham's Plan shaped the city and suburbs for generations of residents and visitors to enjoy. [MORE]

Tuesday, December 1, 2009 7:30pm

Fr. Baar Architecture Lecture: The Legacy of the Burnham Plan

Landmark Conservancy

This lively lecture by cartographer Dennis McClendon includes pictures of the Chicago that faced the planners a century ago, the grand visions they had for the city and what actually resulted from the Burnham Plan of Chicago.
 
The lecture is free and open to the public. A docent-guided tour of Mayslake Hall will be offered before the lecture at 6:30 p.m. at $5/person. For reservations for the lecture, please call 630-206-9566. [MORE]

Wednesday, December 9, 2009 7:00pm

The World's First Cities: Babylon and Beyond

Oriental Institute

The world’s first cities were built in the ancient Middle East more than 5,000 years ago, and many faced issues that confront our cities of today. In this richly illustrated lecture, Geoff Emberling, Museum Director of the Oriental Institute, explores cities from the plains of Mesopotamia to the fertile Nile Valley in ancient Egypt. 
  [MORE]

Sunday, December 13, 2009 3:00pm

Make No Little Plans: Daniel Burnham and the American City

Gene Siskel Film Center

Director Judith McBrien appears in person for the Chicago theatrical premiere of her feature-length documentary. McBrien will introduce the movie and participate in an audience discussion afterward. The film—narrated by Joan Allen—explores the fascinating life and complex legacy of Daniel Hudson Burnham and how his vision to organize the chaos of 19th century America shaped the nation's towns and cities for generations. [MORE]