For the Fall 2021 term, we're offering a mix of virtual and in-person classes. Although we are still primarily virtual, you will find a smaller selection of in-person seminars in the schedule. For more information about the Newberry’s virtual seminars, including a Zoom tutorial, please see our Virtual Seminars FAQ page. Registration opens on September 1st at 9am (Central time). Registration will take place through our online platform, Learning Stream.

Seminar Description

Chicago commemorates the 150th anniversary of the Great Fire this fall, and it’s easy to assume that nothing has survived. This is anything but true. In this course, we’ll uncover a gold mine of treasures that survived the fire and illustrate what life in Chicago was like before the disaster. In addition to discussing a wealth of items drawn from the Newberry’s collections, including maps, diaries, church records, newspapers, and sheet music, we’ll examine selected primary source readings, which will further inform our discussion.

Four sessions. Registration – $170

Matt Rutherford, MLS, is Curator of Genealogy and Local History at the Newberry. Ginger Frere, MLS, is a professional researcher and lecturer

Materials List

Required:

• Instructor-Distributed Materials.