Burnham’s Bold Plans and Rosenwald’s Unconventional Philanthropy: Improving the Quality of Life

Join Spertus Museum for free curator led tours of A Force For Change: African American Art and the Julius Rosenwald Fund, a changing exhibition featuring the works of Rosenwald fellows such as Elizabeth Catlett and Charles White. The tours will include a discussion of Rosenwald’s connections to Burnham, as well as the way the Museum’s LEED certified green building epitomizes the lessons learned from the Burnham’s 1909 Plan of Chicago. Following the tours there will be facilitated discussions on current greening initiatives in Chicago.

On March 23, 2008 the event takes place from 3:00-4:30pm, beginning with a tour and followed by tea and a discussion with Ken Dunn, founder of the Resource Center, which provides recycling, composting, and bike rebuilding services, as well as job training and community training programs. Dunn is also the creator of City Farm, a program that cultivates organic gardens on vacant lots and employs neighborhood residents to grow vegetables that are then sold to local restaurants and walk-in customers. He will speak on local initiatives organized by and open to all Chicago residents. Refreshments will be served. The tour is free, cost for the Tea : $15/ $12 members. Reservations requested by March 17.

On April 30, 2009 the event takes place from 12:00 -1:30pm, beginning with a tour and followed by a luncheon discussion with Sadhu Johnston, currently the Chief Commissioner for the Environment for the City of Chicago, where he protects and restores Chicago’s natural resources. Before this appointment, Mr. Johnston served as the Assistant to the Mayor for Green Initiatives, where he created the Environmental Action Plan. He will speak about the city’s greening initiatives. The tour is free, cost for the luncheon:  $30/$25 for members.