Uncover clues to your home’s history during May 7

Workshop at Elmhurst History Museum

You don’t need Sherlock Holmes to reveal clues to your home’s history, but a few well-informed tips and helpful resources from an architectural preservation expert might point you in the right direction.

The Elmhurst History Museum is offering a opportunity for curious homeowners who want to know more about their homes on Sunday, May 7, when architecture educator and preservation specialist Jean Guarino presents the Hunting for Your House History Workshop. The program takes place from 2 – 4:30 p.m. in the Elmhurst History Museum’s Education Center, at 120 E. Park Ave.

Jean Guarino, PhD, is an independent architectural and urban historian specializing in the documentation of cultural resources. She teaches design and architectural history classes at the college/university level including the Art Institute of Chicago, and is a private consultant for municipalities, architecture firms, developers and non-profit organizations. Guarino is co-author of the book Benjamin H. Marshall, Chicago Architect and has written many landmark designation reports for City of Chicago landmarks.

During the workshop, Guarino will lead participants through the steps of researching their own house history including: where to find primary source documents, online resources and combing the archives of local institutions—including resources at the Elmhurst History Museum. The program is $15 for members of the Elmhurst Heritage Foundation, and $20 for non-members. Reservations may be made online at elmhursthistory.org (in the Adult Program section) or by calling 630-833-1457.

The workshop is presented in conjunction with the Elmhurst History Museum’s latest exhibit, “House & Home,” a traveling exhibit from the National Building Museum in Washington, D.C. and NEH on the Road. Admission to the exhibit is free.