Evanston History Center | Evanston

The Evanston History Center (EHC) is a vital cultural and historical institution located in Evanston, Illinois, dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich history of the city and its residents. Here is a detailed overview:

Location and Building

Address: 225 Greenwood Street, Evanston, Illinois 60201.

Historic Building: The EHC is housed in the Dawes House, a National Historic Landmark built in 1894. This elegant mansion was the home of Charles Gates Dawes, who served as U.S. Vice President under Calvin Coolidge, was an ambassador to Great Britain, and a Nobel Peace Prize laureate.

Architecture: The Dawes House features 25 rooms with fine details such as a cherry-paneled library, a vaulted dining room with a musicians’ gallery, six bedrooms, and twelve fireplaces, showcasing late 19th-century design and craftsmanship.

Mission and Purpose

The Evanston History Center’s mission is to preserve Evanston’s history through collections, exhibits, educational programs, and research opportunities. It aims to engage the public in understanding the city’s cultural heritage, including stories of its people, neighborhoods, and institutions.

Visiting the Evanston History Center

Tours and Exhibits:

The EHC offers both docent-led and self-guided tours of the historic Dawes House.

Tours are available Thursday through Sunday from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m., with docent-led tours starting at 1:00, 2:00, and 3:00 p.m.

Visitors can explore ongoing exhibitions that highlight various aspects of Evanston’s history.

Research Room:

Open Tuesday to Thursday and Saturday from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.

The research room provides access to a wide array of historical documents, photographs, maps, and genealogical records related to Evanston.

Admission for non-members is $10; free for students, members, and local educators.

Admission Fees:

House tours and exhibitions are $10 for non-members.

Admission is free for members, children under 12, and District 65 teachers with ID.

The research room charges $10 for non-members; free for members and students.

Accessibility:

The first floor of the Dawes House is wheelchair accessible.

A wheelchair lift and ramp are available, but the lift must be operated by staff, so visitors needing assistance are advised to call ahead.

Exhibitions and Programs

Current Exhibitions:

“Picturing Community: Stories in Photographs” — showcasing historical and contemporary photographs that tell the story of Evanston’s diverse community.

“Milestones and Memories” — a collection reflecting key moments in Evanston’s history.

“A Crowded Life: Charles Gates Dawes” — exploring the life and legacy of the house’s original owner.

Upcoming Exhibitions:

“50 Years of House Walk” — celebrating the 50th anniversary of the EHC’s annual Mother’s Day House Walk, featuring historic homes.

“reFashioning History” — an exhibit focusing on historical clothing and textiles in Evanston.

Events and Programs:

Talks and lectures on history, civic engagement, and community topics.

Evanston Architecture and History Walking Tours, offering a deeper dive into the city’s built environment and stories.

Annual community events like the Mother’s Day House Walk, which raises funds and awareness for historic preservation.

Getting There and Contact Information

Public Transportation: The Purple Line Dempster station is about half a mile away, and Metra’s Union Pacific North Main Street and Davis Street stations are roughly 0.9 miles from the center.

Parking: Free street parking is available on Greenwood Street near the EHC.

Phone: (847) 475-3410 for inquiries and appointments.

The Evanston History Center is a rich resource for anyone interested in the history and culture of Evanston. Its combination of a historic site, museum exhibits, research resources, and community programming makes it a key destination for residents, visitors, researchers, and educators alike.