Upcoming Events at the Bridgehouse Museum
Guided Tours
Take a guided tour of the Bridgehouse Museum with our trained staff to learn the history of the Chicago River. Staff will walk you through all five stories of the museum plus our gear room, share stories not found in our exhibit, and answer questions.
This tour is offered June - October on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Book your tour online HERE.
Tour starts at 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. in the museum lobby and lasts about 45-60 minutes. Cost is $15 per person. Book your tour HERE or call/email the museum at (312) 977-0227 / bridgehousemuseum@gmail.com for a reservation.
Happy Hour Speaker Series
Select Thursdays
5:15 – 6:15 p.m.
McCormick Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum, 99 Chicago Riverwalk
Free and open to the public
Join us at the McCormick Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum to learn from local experts who bring to life key aspects of the Chicago-Calumet River system, wildlife, history, public policy, and community engagement throughout the summer. Enjoy local beverages out on our riverfront plaza while you learn about the river's revival.
This event is free and open to the public, and donations to Friends of the Chicago River are encouraged to support the Bridgehouse Museum's programming.
CALENDAR:
Thursday June 26th
Saving Chicago's Nighthawks
Speaker: Edward Warden, President, Chicago Ornithological Society
Once a common sight devouring insects at every night game, the increasingly un-common nighthawk is now in steep decline. Despite being one of the fastest disappearing birds in North America, very little data exists to help explain why or how to stop it. In 2021, COS launched a volunteer monitoring program to fill the gap, one of the only such efforts in the country. This presentation will highlight what the deal is with these birds, what's been learned so far, and how to ensure Chicago remains a home for these mysterious creatures.
Thursday July 10th
Otters in the Chicago River Watershed
Speaker: Chris Anchor, Senior Wildlife Biologist, Forest Preserves of Cook County
Thursday July 24th
Ecology & Conservation of Illinois Dragonflies
Speaker: Marla Garrison
Thursday August 7th
Plastic Pollution and Water Quality Report in the Chicago-Calumet River System
Speakers: Andrea Densham, Alliance for the Great Lakes; Dr. Tim Hoellein, Loyola University; and more TBA
Thursday August 21st
Out in Nature, Creating Safe Spaces in Nature for the LGBTQ+ Community
Speakers: Henry Adams, Wildlife Management Coordinator, Urban Wildlife Institute; CJ Greco, Learning Exploration Coordinator, Lincoln Park Zoo
Thursday September 4th
Chicago River Trivia
Work in teams to answer trivia questions to earn some fun prizes!
Thursday September 18th
Fishes of the Chicago Region: A Field Guide
Francis M. Veraldi, Stephen M. Pescitelli, and Philip W. Willink
