Women

Frances Willard House Museum

Under Frances Willard’s leadership, the Woman’s Christian Temperance Union grew to be the largest non-secular organization of women in the 19th century. She often called the organization the “WCTUniversity,” and it provided training for women to think on their feet, speak in public, and run an organization.

Glessner House

Frances Glessner was a legendary hostess, talented silversmith, trained beekeeper, and expert needle worker. Her daughter, Frances Glessner Lee, achieved fame as a leader in the field of forensic science and was appointed the first female state police captain in the country in 1943.

International Museum of Surgical Science

Several of the International Museum of Surgical Science's exhibits focus on medical contributions made by women, such as Florence Nightingale and Marie Curie. The historic mansion is named for the lady of the house, Eleanor Robinson Countiss, because funds from her home building trust financed its construction.

Jane Addams Hull-House Museum

The residents of Hull-House were largely educated women who used settlement life as a way to break boundaries and pursue personal and professional goals.

Kalo Foundation/Iannelli Studio

Owner of the Kalo Shop and largest employer in Park Ridge Producing beautiful silver. Involved in Suffrage movement She was ahead of her time

Schweikher House

The Schweikher-Langsdorf Home was the 60-year residence of famed artist Martyl Langsdorf, designer of the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists Doomsday Clock. She was also an influential board member of many organizations, including the Arts Club of Chicago and Ragdale Foundation.