In celebration of the Burnham Centennial, Friends of the Chicago River is hosting the first lunchtime lecture series at our McCormick Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum.

The five-lecture series entitled Always Current: Conversations on the Chicago River reveals the river’s significance from historical, ecological, technological and economic perspectives, with an emphasis on the past 100 years. This lecture series promotes a greater understanding of the river’s significance to our region’s history and reveals the ongoing, inextricable relationship between the Chicago River and the people in its watershed.

The Bridgehouse Museum is uniquely located in a landmark tower of the Michigan Avenue Bridge, just steps away from the river it celebrates and at the heart of Chicago’s newly-expanded Riverwalk. The lectures will be hosted on Thursdays between June and September.

Reservations recommended but not required. For reservations call 312.939.0490, ext. 23.

June 11, 2009, 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Towards A Greener River, presented by Mark Hauser, Friends’ own education coordinator, focuses on the changes in the river’s ecology since the 18th Century.

July 9, 2009, 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Just Add Water, the first of two lectures presented by Dr. David Solzman, author and associate professor emeritus of geography and anthropology at the University of Illinois at Chicago, explores how building the Illinois and Michigan Canal to connect the Great Lakes to the Mississippi via the Chicago River sparked the growth of a metropolis. The lecture will be followed by a book signing for Dr. Solzman’s The Chicago River: An Illustrated History and Guide to the River and Its Waterways, available at the museum.

August 13, 2009, 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.

A New River Economy, presented by Cathy Hudzik Breitenbach, manager of riverfront development with the Chicago Park District, discusses the river’s current significance to Chicago, its value as a natural and civic asset and plans for riverside developments such as the new downtown Riverwalk.

August 27, 2009, 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.

A Century of Change, the second lecture by Dr. Solzman, examines the changes that have defined the Chicago River in the 20th Century, starting with the river’s reversal and concluding with its ongoing renaissance as wildlife returns and people increasingly use the river for recreation. The lecture will be followed by a book signing for Dr. Solzman’s The Chicago River: An Illustrated History and Guide to the River and Its Waterways, available at the museum.

September 17, 2009, 12 p.m. - 1 p.m.

Chicago: A Living Movable Bridge Museum, presented by author and bridge expert Patrick McBriarty, discusses our city’s moveable bridge history and, specifically, that of the Michigan Avenue Bridge, a centerpiece of the Burnham Plan.

Cost:
Free with museum admission

Fish Hotel Tour
11:15 am-11:45 a.m.

Fish Liberation Ceremony
12pm-2pm

Join Friends of the Chicago River at the McCormick Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum for a Fish Liberation Ceremony symbolizing the return of wildlife to the river. Spend your lunch break celebrating nature along the river - or bring the kids for a fun outdoor experience! We recommend reserving your spot (and fish) ahead of time by calling (312) 939-0490 ext.23. The Fish Liberation will be preceded by a tour of Friends’ Fish Hotel, currently located on the river between State St. and Dearborn St. The free tour departs from the Bridgehouse Museum at 11:15 a.m.

Friends of the Chicago River will release 400 baby bluegill into the river. Visitors will be invited to see these fanciful creatures up close. They can adopt a fish for $5, name it (if they wish) and release it into the river. Adopting a fish will also give them free admission to the museum ($3 value).

Fish wranglers will be on hand to assist bluegill adopters net their favorite fish and release it into the Main Stem of the Chicago River. Museum staff and Friends’ personnel/fish wranglers can discuss ongoing efforts to improve the quality of the Chicago River and its banks, the increasing return of wildlife to the river, types of wildlife, and Chicago’s maritime and bridge history.

WHERE: McCormick Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum, 376 N. Michigan (southwest tower of the Michigan Avenue Bridge). Fish release will take place outside main entrance, located on the riverwalk level.