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Why is it important to study historical figures from the past?

Our Theme Word: PROGRESS

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In Chicago’s rich history, certain voices resonate louder than others, yet some remain untold, obscured by the passage of time. Today, we shine a light on one such voice – that of Jane Addams. In an era defined by rapid industrialization, urbanization, and the complexities of social change, Jane Addams emerged as a beacon of compassion, wisdom, and activism. She was one of the pioneering social reformer and activist in Chicago during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Despite her significant contributions, her story remains relatively untold.

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The research topic we chose is the Untold People and Stories of Chicago. Chicago is a city with a rich and long history and we would like to bring some key figures that helped build this city to light. Unfortunately over the past decades many of Chicago's prominent figures have been erased or forgotten about. We believe that these key figures helped build what our city is today. By bringing these figures to light and by acknowledging their contribution to the city to educate others on their invaluable progress.

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Olivier- Project Manager

Mariam- Editor

Landon- Organizer

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Who is a historical figure in Chicago that inspires you?

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Who is a historical figure in Chicago that inspires you?

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Jean Baptiste Dusable was the first non-native American to settle in what we now know as the Chicago area, and is regarded as the founder of the city. Little is known about DuSable's early life before the year 1770. Many believe that DuSable was born in the year 1745 in present-day Saint-Marc Haiti. Many historians say that this information is not true. Many speculate he was born outside of continental North America and entered as a trader through French Louisiana or French Canada. DuSable settled in the present day Chicago area and helped facilitate trading between French Canada and Illinois Country.

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DuSable built his home on the bank of the river where the Apple store stands today. He established a trading post on his property. The trading post served Native Americans, British, and French explorers. He spoke Spanish, French, English, and several Native American dialects which contributed to his success as a businessman. DuSable did not live a modest life. His home boasted many rooms and had finely crafted furniture. His homestead included a farm trading post and other buildings.

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DuSable, an entrepreneurial spirit, left his mark on the city helping build Chicagos Trademark, a city of commerce and business. An early pioneer of the American dream, he shows us that success comes from within and not from the reliance on factors out of our reach.

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Jane Addams, born on September 6, 1860, in Cedarville, Illinois, had an early life marked by privilege and education. Raised in a privileged family, and was the youngest of 8 children. As a young child Jane contracted tuberculosis of the spine, Pott disease. She underwent several experimental treatments in her twenties. She suffered from back pain most of her life. She received her education at Rockford Female Seminary. The circumstances of her upbringing, while comfortable, did not insulate her from the social issues of her time. Her mother died when she was two and her step mother Anna Haldeman, inspired her with her devotion to helping the poor. This early exposure to education and social awareness would later become instrumental in shaping Jane Addams' commitment to social reform and her dedication to addressing the challenges faced by marginalized communities. Her journey from a privileged upbringing to becoming a prominent social activist reflects the transformative power of education and empathy, laying the foundation for her later groundbreaking work in Chicago and beyond.

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In the summer of 1887, Jane Addams read in a magazine about the new idea of starting a settlement house. She decided to visit the world's first, Toynbee Hall, in London. She and several friends, including Ellen Gates Starr, traveled in Europe from December 1887 through the summer of 1888. Jane Addams, was inspired by the settlement house movement in England. She envisioned a space that would serve as a community center to address the needs of immigrants and the working class in the rapidly growing city.

Addams and Starr leased a dilapidated mansion on Halsted Street in a predominantly immigrant neighborhood. The mansion, once owned by Charles J. Hull, a real estate developer, gave the house its name—Hull House. The location was strategic, placing hull house in close proximity to the communities it aimed to serve.

Hull House's mission was multifaceted. It was meant to provide a variety of services, including education, healthcare, childcare, and cultural enrichment, all within a communal setting. The founders, along with a group of like-minded volunteers, lived in the settlement house, forming a community that worked collaboratively with its neighbors. The original intent of Hull House was to bridge the gaps between different socio-economic and cultural groups, fostering understanding and solidarity amongst diverse communities. By providing practical assistance and creating an environment that encouraged social interaction and education, Hull House became a transformative force in the lives of those it served.

The origin of Hull House reflects the PROGRESSIVE ideals of its founders, who believed in the potential of a communal living and service model to address the social challenges of their time. The success of Hull House influenced the development of similar settlement houses across the United States and contributed significantly to the evolution of modern social work.

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Jane Addams was also a tireless advocate for women's suffrage, peace, and social justice. She was a prominent figure in the women's suffrage movement, advocating for the right to vote and equality. She hired Dr Harriet rice, a doctor who couldn’t practice medicine in America due to racism. She founded night schools for adults, media school, library, Art school, and training jobs. She alongside Florence Kelly also helped with reducing work hours for women, increase of minimum wage, and for children to stop working in factories. She went around talking about women’s right to vote, putting kids in school and more political power for the poor and immigrant. she was an Instrumental in the peace movement during and after World War 1. She also Co-founded the Women's International League for Peace and Freedom in 1919. Advocated for social justice, emphasizing the importance of addressing poverty, inequality, and discrimination. She was also known for Emphasizing on the transformative power of education and community engagement in lifting individuals and communities out of poverty.

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Jane Addams achieved numerous accomplishments throughout her life. Awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1931, becoming the first American woman to receive this honor, for her dedicated efforts in promoting international peace. In January 1915, she became involved in the woman’s peace party and was elected national chairman. She was invited by the European women peace activists to preside over the international congress of women in The Hague, April 28–30, 1915, and was chosen to head the commission to find an end to the war. She later Co-founded the Women's International League for Peace and Freedom in 1919, contributing to global peace initiatives.She influenced sociology being thought as a program at university of chicago and later on went to teach there. She founded chicago federation of settlement. She was awarded garbage inspector after installing garbage cans to help with the cleanliness of the hull house. She also founded the juvenile protection association, a court for kids that got in trouble with the government before the government took over. Authored numerous articles and books, including "Twenty Years at Hull House," documenting her experiences and advocating for social reform. She was also awarded the Theodore Roosevelt-Woodrow Wilson Award in 1940 by the American Historical Association for her distinguished service to the cause of history.

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In the summer of 1887, Addams read in a magazine about the new idea of starting a settlement house. She decided to visit the world's first, Toynbee Hall, in London. She and several friends, including Ellen Gates Starr, traveled in Europe from December 1887 through the summer of 1888. After watching a bullfight in Madrid, fascinated by what she saw as an exotic tradition, Addams condemned this fascination and her inability to feel outraged at the suffering of the horses and bulls. At first, Addams told no one about her dream to start a settlement house; but, she felt increasingly guilty for not acting on her dream.[38] Believing that sharing her dream might help her to act on it, she told Ellen Gates Starr. Starr loved the idea and agreed to join Addams in starting a settlement house.[39]

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Connecting the past to the present and keeping track 

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Connecting the past to the present and keeping track 

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Jane Addams' principles and values continue to hold immense relevance in addressing contemporary social issues. Her commitment to social justice, community engagement, and advocacy for the marginalized provides a timeless blueprint for navigating the challenges of today.Jane Addams' principles provide a timeless foundation for addressing the pressing challenges of our era. Her legacy encourages a reevaluation of how we approach social issues, inspiring individuals and communities to work collaboratively towards a more just and compassionate society. While Jane Addams' direct connection to the Civil Rights Movement may be indirect, her influence on a broader landscape of social justice and activism undoubtedly played a role in shaping the principles and approaches adopted by those who sought civil rights and equality in the mid-20th century. Her legacy underscores the interconnected nature of movements advocating for justice and equity. Therefore, by keeping track of Jane Addams' legacy, society gains a deeper understanding of the historical roots of social activism, the development of social work, and the ongoing pursuit of justice and equality. Her principles continue to be relevant guides for addressing present-day challenges with empathy, inclusivity, and a commitment to positive change, which is an important aspect for progress in our community…. to see how far we’ve come and how much work still has to be done.

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All about Bellow-

Saul Bellow was a renowned Canadian-American writer, widely regarded as one of the greatest novelists of the 20th century. He was born on June 10, 1915, in Lachine, Quebec, Canada, and later moved to Chicago with his family. Bellow's upbringing in a multicultural environment greatly influenced his writing, providing rich material for his exploration of identity, displacement, and the immigrant experience.

Bellow's literary accomplishments-

Pulitzer Prize:Bellow won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1976 for his novel "Humboldt's Gift." This recognition solidified his reputation as a masterful writer.

Nobel Prize in Literature:n 1976, Bellow was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature, acknowledging his exceptional ability to dissect the human condition and offer profound insights into modern society.

National Book Award:He received the National Book Award for Fiction in 1954 for "The Adventures of Augie March," a novel hailed for its originality and vivid portrayal of an American protagonist navigating life's challenges.

Bellow's literary impact-

Bellow's writing style, marked by its wit, linguistic prowess, and exploration of existential themes, left an indelible mark on American literature. He played a significant role in shaping post-war American fiction and remains a pivotal figure in literary history.

Bellow's impact on Chicago-

Overall, Saul Bellow's impact on Chicago was multifaceted. He not only portrayed the city in his novels but also contributed to a deeper understanding of its social, cultural, and intellectual aspects. Through his literary achievements, Bellow immortalized Chicago as more than just a geographical location; it became a dynamic and integral part of his storytelling and thematic exploration.