Monthly Lunchtime Curiosity Cafe

Curiosity Cafe Second Wednesday of the month from 12-1pm at the Evanston History Center, 225 Greenwood St. FREE, no RSVP needed. Come to the Dawes House for coffee, lunch, and informal conversation around a variety of unique Evanston History topics. Feel free to bring a brown bag lunch; coffee and tea will be provided. Upcoming topics: June 10: Queer History in Evanston Join us during Pride Month to hear the stories of Evanstonians Phyllis Jean Athey and Mary Jo Osterman Kinheart, who in the 1980s founded Kinheart Inc., the founding of Evanston Pride, and more. Feel free to bring a brown bag lunch and to share your own stories. Coffee and tea will be provided. July 8: 75 Years of Disability Advocacy in Evanston In 1951, the first school for North Shore children with intellectual and other developmental disabilities, initially held in the Evanston home of Lois and Thomas J. Lloyd, was formally founded. Learn about the 75 year old history of Shore Community Services, the fight for disability rights in Evanston, and how it is an example to others fighting for change. August 12: Great Lakes Recreational Sailing History The Great Lakes have been the site of trade and industry for millennia, but the waterways of the Midwest also have a long and interesting history of recreation. Chicago Maritime Museum curator Madeline Crispell dives into the people, stories, and traditions that make the culture of sailing unique on our inland seas. PLEASE NOTE: There is street cleaning on the north side of Greenwood St on these Wednesdays until 1pm. Please park on the south side of Greenwood to avoid getting a ticket, if you drive here. Past Topics: January 2026: Evanston’s Greenhouses February 2026: Draining Evanston, Part I March 2026: Evanston Women and the Fragile Nature of Legal Victories April 2026: Draining Evanston Part II: 21st Century May 2026: YMCA Camp Echo Through the Decades