The 36th annual Sampler Lecture Series by the McHenry County Historical Society is set to begin at 7 p.m. March 14 with an online presentation from Brick of Chicago founder Will Quam.
After the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, it became nearly impossible to build with wood as building codes changed to require fireproof construction, the historical society said in a release. Quam’s appreciation of the city’s brick architecture led him to start an Instagram account which eventually grew to have 5,000 followers. The 30-year-old theater instructor, photographer, writer and researcher will share his love of the common brick to kick off this year’s Lecture Series.
The remaining programs in the series are “Only Murders in McHenry (County)” presented by amateur criminologist Ed Urban on the history of crime in McHenry County; “The Eastland Disaster: An Unparalleled Tragedy” presented by members of the Eastland Disaster Society about the deadliest shipwreck ever recorded on the Great Lakes; and “Vibrant, Resilient, Still Here: Contemporary Native Americans in Illinois” presented by Pamala Silas, a member of Menominee Tribe of Wisconsin and a descendent of the Oneida Tribe on the history of Native Americans in Illinois and their role today.
Register in advance at GoHistory.org or with the Historical Society office, 6422 Main St. in Union, to receive an access code for the presentation.
A $12 donation is requested for individual programs. Discounted series tickets also are available on the website and by calling 815-923-2267. The four-program series costs $40 for society members and $45 for nonmembers.
Source: The Daily Chronicle
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