The Stories of Ogden Avenue

Travel down Ogden Avenue, named for Chicago’s first mayor, visiting historic neighborhoods, parks and landmark buildings. This talk will highlight Chicago’s early industrial days, the Civil Rights Movement in the city and new developments for housing, education and healthcare.

William Ogden’s impact on Chicago goes far beyond being the city’s first mayor. This talk covers famous landmarks like the old Cook County Hospital, Stone Temple Baptist Church and 100 years of architectural styles. Explore Douglass Park, one of Chicago’s oldest parks at 150 years, and learn how it came to honor Anna and Frederick Douglass in 2020. This talk also discusses the historic North Lawndale community, from its early Jewish heritage to a predominantly African American community today; and new developments like The Farm on Ogden, connecting its community with fresh food and good health.