Local Connections
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NEW! “Organized Crime in Chicago during Prohibition” by John J. Binder
John J. Binder discusses Chicago’s Prohibition Era bootlegging gangs and gang wars, including how the Capone gang came to dominate Chicago organized crime. Binder is the author of Al Capone’s Beer Wars, The Chicago Outfit, and The Chicago Outfit during the 1960s. He has served as a historical consultant to the Chicago Historical Society, the Vegas Mob Museum, and RR Auction among others. Includes Q&A. (Teens and Adults; 90-120 min; $300 with permission to sell books)
References
Geoff Schumacher, Vegas Mob Museum, (702) 729-2720, gschumacher@themobmuseum.org
Contact
jbinder@uic.edu, (708) 287-9118
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NEW! “Sisters of Influence” by Andrea Friederici Ross
Meet sisters Zina, Amy, and Rose Fay, three ladies determined to change things for the better in late 1800s Chicago. Learn about the founding of the Anti-Cruelty Society, the beginnings of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, the construction of Orchestra Hall, and how the Fay sisters helped broaden the women’s sphere. Ross’ program touches on themes such as music education, women’s history, the humane movement, and the writing process. (Adults; 60 min; $200 with permission to sell books)
References
Mary Alessio, Women’s Athletic Club, mary@wacchicago.com
Website
Contact
friedericiross@gmail.com, (630) 712-0283
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NEW! “White Flight, Englewood, and Green Street: A Chicago Story” by Dave Larsen
“White flight” is the reality that drives the plot of the novel Green Street in Black and White: A Chicago Story. Larsen explores this phenomenon in the Chicago neighborhood of Englewood in the early 1960s within an ethnic faith community. He engages the audience in a discussion of the book’s themes and contemporary implications. (Adults; 60 min; $125 with permission to sell books)
References
Jeff Munroe, Reformed Journal, munroejeff@gmail.com, (616) 822-0203; David Crumm, Front Edge Publishing, David.Crumm@gmail.com
Website
Contact
GreenStreetInBlackWhite@gmail.com, (708) 321-0403
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NEW! “Nelson Algren: Chicago’s Prophetic Voice” by Mary Wisniewski
Chicago writer Nelson Algren, author of The Man with the Golden Arm, was known as the bard of the city’s underclass. He was also the unlikely lover of French philosopher Simone de Beauvoir. Learn how Algren became one of Chicago’s most quoted and influential writers from journalist Mary Wisniewski, author of Algren: A Life, which won the Chicago Writers Association award for best non-fiction. Includes Q&A. (Adults; 60 min; $200 with permission to sell books)
References
Sue Rutsen, Nelson Algren Society of Miller Beach, (773) 914-2574, suerutsen@gmail.com; Debb Hammond, Oak Park Nineteenth Century Charitable Association; (708) 227-6114, chatsplas@sbcglobal.net
Website
Contact
wiz1166@yahoo.com, (312) 241-0007
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NEW! “150+ Years of Polish Catholic Churches in Chicago” by Victoria Ann Granacki
Trace Chicago’s Polish diaspora from its 1867 roots in Polish Downtown to the newest Polish Catholic parishes that have sprung up in DuPage and southern Cook County. Marvel at magnificent Polish Baroque churches designed by masters of early 20th century architecture. Make lots of notes for which Polish Catholic Churches you plan to tour. (Adults; 60 min; $150)
References
Bozena Nowicka McLees, Loyola University Chicago, (773) 508-2864, bmclees@luc.edu; Ewa Barczyk, University of Wisconsin Milwaukee Libraries, (414) 412-6456, ewa@uwm.edu
Website
Contact
(312) 810-1212, granacki@aol.com
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NEW! “Ghosts of the Windy City” by Laura Enright
A city as famous and infamous as Chicago has its fair share of ghosts: from hitchhiking phantoms to drowned picnickers to gangsters shot down with only a dog left to bear witness. Join Laura Enright as she discusses the history of some of the area’s most notable hauntings and why they may linger so spiritedly in our psyche. (All ages; 60-90 min; $200 with permission to sell books).
References
Nadia Ullrich, Grayslake Area Public Library, (847) 665-1054, nullrich@grayslake.info; Elaine Waite, White Oak Library District, (815) 552-4237, ewaite@whiteoaklib.org
Website
Contact
lauraenright64@gmail.com, (847) 384-0361
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NEW! “Chicago’s Black Birds: Pioneering African American Aviators” by Michael Haupt
Chicago’s African Americans took flight, breaking barriers that kept them grounded. Bessie Coleman overcame the dual obstacles of being black and female traveling to France where she received her pilot’s license in 1921. Two auto mechanics, Cornelius Coffey and John Robinson, became pilots and aircraft mechanics. Before World War II, Coffey trained scores of pilots who became Tuskegee Airmen while Robinson commanded the Ethiopian Air Force battling Italian Fascists. Local aviation historian Michael Haupt shares these tales and more. (Adults; 60 min; $195 with permission to sell books).
References
Kim Hodges, White Oak Library, (815) 552-4284, khodges@whiteoaklib.org; Dr. Charles Rodriguez, Southern Illinois University, (618) 534-1105, crod@siu.edu
Website
Contact
aviationchicago@gmail.com, (847) 736-5812
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NEW! “Pal-Waukee to Chicago Executive: A Century of Progress” by Michael Haupt
Local aviation historian Michael Haupt shares the fascinating story of how Chicago Executive Airport developed from 40 acres on the corner of a farm into an integral part of the Chicago area economy and a vital role in the national air system. See how the airport evolved during the century as each of its five owners responded to the aviation and cultural environment of their era. (Adults; 60 min; $195 with permission to sell books)
References
Charles Priester, Priester Aviation, (847) 537-5251, CP@Priesterav.com; Madeleine Monaco, Ninety-Nines, (847) 431-1847, directormonaco@ninety-nines.org
Website
Contact
aviationchicago@gmail.com, (847) 736-5812
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“Chicago’s Latine Arts and Music Scenes: Trailblazing in the Midwest” by Catalina Maria Johnson
Catalina Maria Johnson, music journalist and host of the radio show and podcast “Beat Latino,” shares Chicagoland’s Latine arts, music, poetry, and literature scene – one of the most fertile and seminal arts scenes, highly lauded and recognized in international forums. This presentation includes video and music examples and is regularly updated to reflect current ongoing events. Get to know nuestras artes and nuestra historia in this area with deep, insider’s knowledge. Program can be presented in English or Spanish. (Teens and Adults; 60 min; $350 plus travel expenses)
References
Colleen Springer-Lopez, Carbondale Elementary School District, cspringer@ces95.org; Micaela Harris, McLean County Museum of History, mharris@mchistory.org
Website
www.linktr.ee/catalinamariajohnson
Contact
catalinamariajohnson@gmail.com, (773) 960-8531
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“Silhouettes of the Past: Growing up in Chicago During the 1950s and 1960s” by Dr. Leslie K. Best
This is not just a memoir of growing up in the 1950s and 1960s but a reflection on Chicago’s past, including historical data that led to the experiences rather directly or indirectly that impacted the author’s life growing up on the South Side of Chicago. It encompasses the 1893 Chicago World Columbian Exposition, the 1919 race riot in Bronzeville, and the attempts to maintain racial barriers between blacks and whites, such as restrictive covenants. (All ages; 60 min; $200)
References
Sarah Weiner, Park Forest Library, (708) 748-3731 x216, sarah.weiner@pfpl.org; Debra Collins, DuSable Black History Museum, (773) 420-2736, dcollins@dusablemuseum.org
Contact
becsliebooks@gmail.com, (708) 481-3927
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“When the Monsters of the Midway Ruled the NFL” by Joe Ziemba
Join author Joe Ziemba for an entertaining look at the wacky early days of the Chicago Bears, moving from the team’s inception as the Decatur Staleys to its dominance of the National Football League, including four NFL titles from 1940-1946. Relive the rowdy, formative years through audience interaction, rare archival photos, and surprising insight into local historical figures such as Red Grange, George Halas, and Al Capone. Includes Q&A. (Adults; 60 min; $150 with permission to sell books)
References
Gregory Storms, Chicago History Museum, (312) 642-4600, storms@chicagohistory.org; Wendy Babjak, Tinley Park Public Library, (708) 845-5719, WBajak@tlibrary.org
Contact
joeziemba22@gmail.com, (815) 953-1270
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“Bears vs. Cardinals: The NFL’s Oldest Rivalry” by Joe Ziemba
Celebrate the humorous early history of the National Football League withauthor Joe Ziemba, who offers an unusual program on the “forgotten” early history of the oldest teams in the NFL: the Chicago Bears and the Chicago Cardinals. These two are the only original clubs from the 1920 inception of the NFL and their histories provide a multitude of entertaining stories to ensure a memorable evening for football and Chicago history fans! Includes Q&A. (Adults; 60 min; $150 with permission to sell books)
References
Gregory Storms, Chicago History Museum, (312) 642-4600, storms@chicagohistory.org; Wendy Babjak, Tinley Park Public Library, (708) 845-5719, WBajak@tlibrary.org
Contact
joeziemba22@gmail.com, (815) 953-1270
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“The Chicago Cubs: Is This the Year?” by Charles N. Billington
Sports historian Charles N. Billington, author of Wrigley Field’s Last World Series, discusses all things Cubs – past and present – from both an on-field and off-field perspective. Theories on team building, skill development, and management are rapidly changing, and Billington looks at the current Cub characteristics, how they compare to the past, and the mistakes they unfortunately seem to repeat. (Ages 11 and up; 90 min; $175 negotiable with permission to sell books)
References
Sarah Adelphia, Arlington Heights Senior Center, (847) 253-
Contact
(773) 351-5871, cnb1148@sbcglobal.net
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“When The White Sox Were Really Good: The 1959 “Go-Go” Sox by Charles N. Billington
Sports historian Charles Billington discusses his critically acclaimed book Comiskey Park’s Last World Series. He examines the team from an economic, legal, and social perspective and analyzes the team’s on-field activities. Bitter family feuding and conflicts between new and old ownership are also explained, which, unfortunately, ties to the team’s current problems. (Teens and Adults; 90 min; $175 negotiable with permission to sell books)
References
Penny Blubaugh, Eisenhower Public Library, (708) 867-2299
Contact
(773) 351-5871, cnb1148@sbcglobal.net
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“When The Bears Were Really Good: The 1963 Chicago Bears” by Charles N. Billington
Sports historian Charles N. Billington discusses his new book The 1963 Bears: George Halas & the Road to the NFL Championship. Billington provides an in-depth analysis of this fantastic pre-Super Bowl team and delves into the economic, legal, and social aspects an aging George Halas faced at this critical juncture in the NFL’s history. (Ages 11 and up; 90 min; $175 negotiable with permissions to sell books)
References
Donna McCarthy, Elk Grove Library, (847) 724-2154
Contact
(773) 351-5871, cnb1148@sbcglobal.net
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“Chicago’s Murderous Mobsters, Midway Monsters, and Windy City Oddities” by Laura Enright
Far from a toddling town, Chicago has always been a charging town, meeting challenges head-on, losing big, and winning bigger. Laura Enright will discuss many fascinating tales, legends, and lives featured in her book Chicago’s Most Wanted: The Top Ten Book of Murderous Mobsters, Midway Monsters, and Windy City Oddities. (All ages; 60-90 min; $200 with permission to sell books)
References
Christina McPhail, LaGrange Park Library, (708) 352-0100, christina@lplibrary.org; Erin Maskevich, Lake Forest Library, (847) 810-4606, emaskevich@lakeforestlibrary.org
Website
Contact
lauraenright64@gmail.com, (847) 384-0361
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“Suffrage in the Land of Lincoln: How Illinois Women Won the Vote “by Nicole Evelina
From the founding of the first woman suffrage society in Illinois in 1855 to 1919 when Illinois became the first state to approve the 19th Amendment, thousands of women dedicated their lives to winning the right to vote. Join USA Today bestselling author Nicole Evelina as she discusses the 64-year history of the Illinois Suffrage movement. Includes handouts, Q&A. (Adults; 60 min; $250 in-person plus travel expenses with permission to sell books, $150 virtual)
References
Ginger Brickey, Jefferson County Library-Northwest, gbrickey@jeffcolib.org, (636) 671-8186; David Beaumier, Chanticleer Books and Media, dbeaumier@chantireviews.com
Website
Contact
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“Edith: The Rogue Rockefeller McCormick” by Andrea Friederici Ross
Meet Edith, a lost figure of Chicago history. Daughter of John D. Rockefeller and wife of harvester heir Harold McCormick, Edith stood at the crossroads of two powerful families. But due to her unconventional beliefs, she was cast aside by both. Andrea Friederici Ross, author of Edith: The Rogue Rockefeller McCormick, details the philanthropist’s accomplishments – Brookfield Zoo, opera, real estate among them – and family scandals. (Adults; 60 min; $200 with permission to sell books)
References
Mary Alessio, Women’s Athletic Club, mary@wacchicago.com
Website
Contact
friedericiross@gmail.com, (630) 712-0283
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“Chicago Roller Skating History” by Marcie Hill
Roll down memory lane with author and Chicago roller skating historian Marcie Hill as she discusses 140-plus years of Chicago roller skating history. Starting with the first rink in the 1880s, she highlights Chicago’s role in the great phenomenon, including: Chicago firsts; classism and racism; and the staying power of the world’s most popular sport and leisure activity. A recollection for some, a history lesson for others. (All ages; 60 min; $250 virtual, $300 live)
References
Randy Richardson, Chicago Writers Association, info@chicagowrites.org; Nicholas Saunders, Chicago Public Library, (312) 747-3270
Website
Contact
msmarcie@marciewrites.com, (312) 620-4157
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“The Path to On the Job: Murder, Reflection, and Where TV Cop Shows Fail” by Daniel P. Smith
As the relationship between the public and police generates intensifying attention, On the Job: Behind the Stars of the Chicago Police author Daniel P. Smith brings audiences behind the scenes to discover the Chicago Police Department. Smith shares never-before-told stories of the tolls the job exacts on the officers, their families, and their lives while interweaving a discussion of Chicago’s criminal landscape, police department culture, and history. He also details the gripping personal experiences that led him to pen his debut book. (Adults; 75 min; $200 with permission to sell books)
References
Cindy Kline, Indian Prairie Public Library, (630) 887-8760 x230, cindyk@ippl.info; Jeannine Kacmar, Palos Heights Public Library, j9kacmar@gmail.com
Contact
smithwriting@gmail.com, (708) 717-6126