On May 14, join Friends of the Chicago River at the McCormick Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum as we kick off our 2010 season with a celebration of the Michigan Avenue Bridge’s 90th birthday!

The Bridgehouse Museum will open for a FREE season preview between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. The festivities will kick off at 10 a.m. with a celebration of the bridge and the Chicago River that will include remarks by:

- Alderman Brendan Reilly of the 42nd Ward
- Thomas Powers, Acting Commissioner, Chicago Department of Transportation
- John Chikow, President and CEO of The Greater North Michigan Avenue Association
- Timothy Mitchell, General Superintendent, Chicago Park District
- Margaret Frisbie, Executive Director, Friends of the Chicago River

We will then gather in the bridge gear room at 10:30 a.m. to blow out the candles on the birthday cake, provided by Chicago’s own Swedish Bakery!

Jim Phillips, bridge docent and founder of chicagoloopbridges.com, will be on hand all day at the Bridgehouse Museum to answer visitors’ questions about the Michigan Avenue Bridge.

The Michigan Avenue Bridge was the first double-leaf, double-deck bascule trunnion bridge ever built. It was considered an engineering marvel in 1920 and continues to inspire awe today. On select days this spring, you can watch the gears in action from inside the Bridgehouse Museum. For bridge lift schedule and details click here.

Do you know the inside story of the Chicago River? Whether you are already a fan of the Bridgehouse Museum and know your Chicago River history well or are just planning your first visit, join the Bridgehouse Insider Club !

By becoming an Insider, you support our museum’s efforts to educate the public about the Chicago River while receiving great benefits. Insider Club memberships make great gifts that allow you to share both the good work and the great fun along the river!

All Insiders receive free admission, complimentary passes for your guests, invitations to museum lectures and other Friends special events, $3 discount for Bridge Lift viewings, 10% discount on museum merchandise, and subscriptions to Friends’ e-news and newsletter. All Insider benefits are valid for the in-season periods within 12 months of starting date.

You can become an Insider now!