Making Big Plans for the Centennial of the 1909 Plan of Chicago

This "Chicago Teachers as Scholars" seminar — conducted by the Newberry's Make Big Plans exhibition co-curators James Akerman and Diane Dillon — offers a critical overview of the Plan of Chicago's central themes and its legacy.
 
At the turn of the 20th century, an extraordinary generation of reformers, business leaders, architects and city planners reimagined American cities. The visionary Plan of Chicago published in 1909 by Chicago architects Daniel H. Burnham and Edward H. Bennett, stood at the heart of this movement. This lavish volume addressed problems prompted by the rapid, unplanned growth of the city in the 19th century, from dirt and disorder to congestion and unsightliness. The plan's beautiful illustrations offered an alternative: elegant streets, gracious parks and a well-oiled transportation network. The "Burnham Plan" was only partially implemented, but its sweeping vision and magnificent illustrations remain relevant today.
 
Seminar begins at 9:00 a.m. and runs until 3:00 p.m. each day. Participants receive 10 CPDUs credit hours towards their State of Illinois certification renewal.
 
Chicago Teachers as Scholars is a collaborative professional development program. TAS strives to reconnect Chicago Public School teachers with the world of scholarship and inspire them to model the love of learning for their students. This program is made possible by a major grants from the Polk Bros. Foundation. TAS also benefits from ongoing support by the Alfred Pick, Jr. Fund and Peoples Gas.