NEH Summer Workshop in Chicago

This past summer I had the pleasure of attending " The American Skyscraper: Transforming Chicago and the Nation" Landmarks of American History and Culture teacher workshop.

The workshop took place in Chicago and was hosted by the Chicago Architecture Foundation. The talented and incredibly knowledgable Jennifer Masengarb of the Chicago Architecture Foundation did a wonderful job organizing and orchestrating the events of the weeklong workshop. 

I gained great knowledge during the workshop about the history of Chicago architecture and the impact that the skyscraper had on it's history and development of the city. The week was structured with daily readings and discussions; lectures from scholars; site visits; tours of the city and the architecture firm of Goettsch Associates. I left Chicago with a greater understanding of the skyscraper and it's history and armfuls of resources for my classroom and students. I would also continue to use the CAF Discover Design website and enter their annual competition for teens.

The CAF also houses the inspiring model city.

The Chicago Model is the only accurate and up-to-date three-dimensional portrait of Chicago's downtown.  This 320-square-foot work-in-progress enables you to see chicago as you've never seen it before.

I would highly recommend this workshop and other NEH workshops to other educators.