This program will be held in-person at the Newberry and livestreamed on Zoom. The online version of this event will be live captioned. Please register below.
Join us as we kick off our fall programming season with Chicago Storytelling—a celebration of the Windy City featuring conversations between Scott W. Berg, Sandra Steinbrecher, Larry A. McClellan, and the presentation of the 2025 Pattis Family Foundation Chicago Book Award at the Newberry Library.
Program Schedule
- 1-1:15pm Pattis Awards Presentation
- 1:20-2pm Conversation with Scott W. Berg, Sandra Steinbrecher, Larry A. McClellan, and Paul Durica
- 2-3pm Book Signing and Reception with light snacks and soft drinks
Speakers
Born and raised in the Twin Cities, Scott W. Berg holds a BA in architecture from the University of Minnesota, an MA from Miami University of Ohio, and an MFA in creative writing from George Mason University, where he now teaches publishing, writing, and literature. He is the author of Grand Avenues, 38 Nooses, and The Burning of the World.
Sandra Steinbrecher is a Chicago-based documentary photographer working on long-term assignments about public education, the arts, and community development. Her work supports and promotes the work of others who are invested in transforming their communities and preserving history. She is committed to building relationships and telling nuanced stories.
Larry A. McClellan, emeritus professor of sociology and community studies at Governors State University, has been instrumental in adding listings to the National Park Service Network to Freedom register of the Underground Railroad. McClellan helped create GSU, was the mayor of University Park, and was a consultant for the Northeastern Illinois Planning Commission. He is the author of The Underground Railroad South of Chicago, To the River, and Onward to Chicago.
Paul Durica is the Director of Exhibitions at the Chicago History Museums and has worked in a similar capacity at The Newberry and with Illinois Humanities. He draws upon his work as a writer, researcher, and teacher to produce a series of free and interactive talks, walks, and reenactments focused on narratives from Chicago’s past that resonate with its present.
Sponsors
Chicago Storytelling is generously supported by The Pattis Family Foundation and the Chicago Free For All Fund at The Chicago Community Trust.
Cost and Registration
This program is free and open to all. Advance registration required.
Registration opens August 1.
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