Our blog is filled with fun stories and little-known facts about special places.
Come learn about those places and the people who made them unique, as well as highlights of our adventures.
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Posts from Category "Culture"
- Culture
Meet Dr. Mae Jemison: The First Black Woman in Space
In support of Black History Month, we’re pleased to feature Dr. Mae Jemison, a Chicago native who made history by becoming the first Black woman to travel in space. By Dave Lifton (@daveeatschicago) In the early days of the U.S. space program, an archetype emerged for the people NASA chose to serve as test pilots, […]
February 24, 2023
- Culture
Meet Harold Washington, Chicago’s First Black Mayor
In support of Black History Month, we’re pleased to feature Harold Washington, who served as Chicago’s 51st mayor from 1983-1987. By Dave Lifton (@daveeatschicago) On April 12th, 1983, Harold Lee Washington overcame all odds to become the first Black mayor of Chicago. It was a deserved, albeit hard-earned victory for the former lawyer and congressman […]
February 21, 2023
- Culture
Celebrate the keepers of knowledge by visiting these Chicago libraries
April 16 was National Librarian Day, where we recognized the important role that librarians play in our society. In their honor, we’re taking a look at some of the great libraries that Chicago has to offer. Chicago’s public library system started in the aftermath of the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, when 8,000 books of […]
April 18, 2022
- Culture
- Iconic Chicago
Iconic Chicago: The Art Institute of Chicago
Our new monthly series Iconic Chicago looks at some of the most famous locations in our city. We’ll explore the history of these places and why they have earned the love of residents and tourists alike. In honor of World Art Day on April 15, we kick off Iconic Chicago with one of the city’s […]
April 12, 2022
- Culture
April Fools’ and a long legacy of Chicago comedians
April Fools’ Day brings out everybody’s inner comedian. But, did you know that Chicago has launched the career of famous comedians? While it’s unknown how April Fools’ Day began, the Library of Congress explored numerous origin stories. All that can be determined is that it most likely emerged between the 14th and 16th centuries. One […]
April 1, 2022
- Celebration
- Culture
For the Love of St. Patrick and All Things Irish
From dressing up in green and eating corned beef and cabbage, to hitting the pubs for your favorite Irish ale, St. Patrick’s Day has become a much loved national holiday. But how did it become so important to our culture? The answer is the result of one of the best things about the melting pot […]
March 17, 2022