We visited the Newberry Library for their Archives Crawl and were treated to a rare, behind-the-scenes look at some truly remarkable artifacts. We explored early maps of cities – these cities were some of the first in the world, including a Chicago that looked vastly different from the one we know now. It was a powerful reminder of how place, like culture, evolves over time.

Equally compelling were the artifacts reflecting Indigenous influence It’s a reminder that Chicago’s story began long before it was called Chicago. These pieces carried deep weight and served as a quiet but powerful nod to the land’s original stewards.

Another favorite moment was looking through letters and photos exchanged between dancers in old Chicago. Reading their handwritten notes and seeing their faces brought a personal dimension to the city’s performing arts history. It wasn’t just about movement or costumes. It was about people, community, and expression.

Huge thanks to the team at the Newberry Library for opening their doors (and archives!) to us. This experience reminded me that every cultural artifact, whether a gold statue or a faded photo, has a heartbeat.