Illinois’ First Lady, MK Pritzker, will present her book A House That Made History: The Illinois Governor's Mansion, Legacy of an Architectural Treasure, on September 29, 2025, at 1:15pm at the Nineteenth Century Club, 178 Forest Avenue, Oak Park, Illinois.
MK Pritzker enlisted the help of acclaimed interior designer Michael S. Smith, in order to bring to fruition her ideas and goals of transforming the mansion into a warm space where Governor Pritzker could work and entertain, and where dignitaries and visitors would feel welcomed. The original spiral staircase was restored, an addition on the back of the mansion was built to provide a ballroom, private apartments for the family were moved to the top floor and the mansion was stripped back to its original brick façade. In addition, wall coverings and paint were carefully selected with Mrs. Pritzker’s input, to add warmth to each room.
The Italianate-Greek Revival mansion is the largest governor’s mansion in the United States. The book covers all the restorations and refurbishes made by the previous Governors and their wives from 1855 through the present.
There will be a luncheon prior to this event at 12 noon. Tickets are $30 for the lecture only, or $60 for lunch and the lecture, and go on sale on August 28th on our website,
https://www.nineteenthcentury.org.
For more information visit our website at
https://www.nineteenthcentury.org. The Nineteenth Century Charitable Association is a 501(c)3 charitable organization, and an Illinois nonprofit organization. Our mission is strengthening our community through learning, giving, and sharing our landmark building, The Nineteenth Century Club. The Association was established in 1891 by a group of visionary women who believed education, charitable activities and civic involvement were vital elements in a thriving community. The spirit of the founders continues through grants, scholarships and public programming. We promote life-long learning through dynamic, multi-cultural programs featuring music, art, literature, science and the social sciences.
Martha Fourt
mfourt@nineteenthcentury.org
