Rediscovering the Life and Work of Hinsdale Social Reformer Grace Bagley
Have you heard of Grace Bagley, Hinsdale’s 19th-century social reformer? This exhibit focuses on her extraordinary and recently rediscovered life.
When Safina Uberoi and Lukas Ruecker purchased the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed 1894 Bagley House in 2021, they didn’t realize the incredible story they were about to uncover. Soon after their purchase, they commissioned architectural historians Julia Bachrach and Jean Follett to nominate the Bagley House as a Hinsdale Landmark. The duo discovered that house’s original owner, Grace Bagley, had worked closely with Jane Addams and made substantial contributions to reform efforts that impacted Chicago and the nation.
With this information in hand, Bachrach, Follett, and Uberoi set out to curate an exhibit about Bagley’s extraordinary life. See it at the Library April 30–May 31.
Exhibit Opening Reception Tuesday, Apr. 30, 7–8 p.m.
Join the Library and two architectural historians as we kick off our exhibit on the recently rediscovered life of the social reformer who owned Hinsdale’s Frank Lloyd Wright-designed home. A few artifacts from Hinsdale Historical Society’s collection will also be on display this night only! Register here.
Library Program Tuesday, May 14, 7–8 p.m.
Historians Julia Bachrach and Jean Follett will share more about Grace Bagley’s extraordinary life as well as the work they did to uncover her story. You won’t want to miss this deep dive into Hinsdale history. Register here.
Exhibit in Quiet Reading Room Apr. 30–May 31
Stop by the Quiet Reading Room anytime the Library is open to learn more about Bagley’s life and home.
Thanks to Safina Uberoi, Lukas Ruecker, and the Hinsdale Historical Society for making the exhibit and events possible.