Beginning August 12, 2010 join Friends of the Chicago River for the return of our lunchtime lectures at our McCormick Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum. The lecture series, entitled Always Current: Conversations on the Chicago River, was launched in 2009 to reveal the river’s significance from historical, ecological, technological and economic perspectives. All lectures will be hosted on Thursdays at noon.

This year’s topics explore the dramatic ways that people have impacted the Chicago River and its immediate environment. The lectures promote a greater understanding of the river’s significance to our region’s history and reveal the ongoing, inextricable relationship between the Chicago River and the people within its watershed.

Reservations recommended but not required. For reservations call 312.939.0490, ext. 23.

August 12, 2010, 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Shaping Nature, presented by Dr. David Solzman, author and associate professor emeritus of geography and anthropology at the University of Illinois at Chicago, reveals how nature in the Chicago area was physically changed to accommodate the needs of a fast-growing metropolis. The lecture will be followed by a book signing for Dr. Solzman’s The Chicago River: An Illustrated History and Guide to the River and Its Waterways, available at the museum.

August 19, 2010, 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Why Can’t We Swim in the Chicago River? presented by John Quail, Friends’ director of watershed planning, examines the water quality issues facing the Chicago River today and what it would take to make the river swimmable again.

September 16, 2010, 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.

The Evolution of the Chicago Bascule Bridge, presented by Jim Phillips, founder of chicagoloopbridges.com, will explore how the now-ubiquitous Chicago bascule evolved and why this is the predominant bridge style spanning the Chicago River.

September 23, 2010, 12 p.m. - 1 p.m.

A Closer Look at Asian Carp, presented by Philip Willink, Ph.D., Field Museum Collections Manager of Fishes, closely examines this invasive species and the potential threat to the Chicago River system and the Great Lakes.

Cost:
Free with museum admission