Women such as Bertha Palmer played a pivotal role in building the 1893 World’s Fair … and building Chicago. The Glen Ellyn Historical Society will host presentation by Laurie Russell on “Behind the Stars: The Remarkable Women Who Helped Build Chicago” on Saturday, March 23, 2024.

The stars on the Chicago flag represent four major events that changed Chicago forever (Ft. Dearborn Massacre, Chicago Fire, World’s Columbian Exposition, and Century of Progress World’s Fair.) This presentation examines how women responded to these events, and in the process built the city we know today. The talk includes women who risked their lives in the Underground Railroad, built hospitals and schools, contributed to the arts, created the progressive women’s club movement and more.

Admission is $5 for adults ($3 for Society members and students) and will be held at the Glen Ellyn Historical Society (800 N. Main Street in Glen Ellyn, IL).