Latest news with #FieldMuseum
Wall Street Journal
2 days ago
- Wall Street Journal
‘The Beast in the Clouds' Review: A Bear of an Expedition
Growing up in New York City, Theodore Roosevelt planned to be a naturalist. Although he eventually chose politics, he never lost his love of the outdoors, as seen in his record as a conservationist, rancher, hunter and explorer. Roosevelt's two oldest sons, Theodore Jr. (Ted) and Kermit, shared their father's passion, and in 1928 the brothers mounted a monthslong expedition to Tibet and China to collect animal specimens for Chicago's Field Museum of Natural History. In 'The Beast in the Clouds,' Nathalia Holt recounts that journey. Both Ted and Kermit were veterans of World War I. By the time they left for Asia, Ted, 41, was a successful investment banker who had held several political offices, including assistant secretary of the Navy. In 1924 he was the Republican nominee for New York governor. Unlike his father, he was not elected. After the war, Kermit, two years Ted's junior, founded the Roosevelt Steamship Co. Of the two brothers, he was the more experienced outdoorsman, having accompanied their father on his African safari (1909-1910) and his harrowing journey to Brazil to chart the River of Doubt (1913-14). 'I seek my father in the wild places,' Kermit wrote, and for both brothers hunting was a way to relive the happy days of their youth. In 1925 Ted and Kermit had led an expedition through the Himalayas, collecting more than 2,000 zoological specimens for the Field Museum. Three years later, they organized their second trek, searching especially for the giant panda, about which little was known. Although they were again sponsored by the Field Museum, the Roosevelts were clearly drawn by the thrill of the hunt more than any contribution to science.
Chicago Tribune
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Chicago Tribune
Art becomes part of the nature mission at Will County forest preserves
Visitors to Forest Preserve District of Will County sites have something else to discover besides walking trails, flora and fauna – art inspired by nature. Throughout the year, the district's visitors centers host exhibits of work by artists local and national, connecting people to nature in ways they may not have expected. 'It's another way of introducing our preserves and nature centers,' said Heather Van Zyl, facility supervisor for Plum Creek Nature Center in Crete Township. 'There are visitors and community members who sometimes find their way to us for the first time because of an artist or an exhibition,' she explained. 'They say, 'Now that I know you're here, I see all these trails and all these exhibits. I'm going to bring my family.' … It can be a really great introduction.' As part of that mission, through Aug. 24 Plum Creek presents 'Prairie Reverie,' which features more than 30 pieces by Orland Park artist Carrie Carlson, including linoleum block prints, ceramic pieces, drawings, paintings and sketch books. The free exhibit highlights the Illinois prairie through its depiction of native plants, animals and landscapes. It can be viewed 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays. What drew Van Zyl to Carlson's art was her work with purple prairie clover. 'It's a little flower you don't hear that much about, and she features that in several pieces. I love that flower but it doesn't get much attention. When I saw that in her work, I thought 'I need to know that person who has even noticed this little flower.' That drew me in.' She wants visitors to feel a connection to nature, which is the forest preserve district's mission. 'Maybe being with art is a different way to experience nature to see a perspective that you never noticed before. You might see birds … or see flowers and (try to find them.) Maybe they will take that inspiration and take it to the next level themselves as well. 'We really think there is a lot of art to be found in nature. When you think about the patterns you see not only visually like butterfly wings and the seasonality of things but the musicality of all. All the exhibits we bring in here and curate are to connect people to nature,' Van Zyl shared. 'So many artists and individuals draw inspiration from nature for their work as well, whether that be visual art or audio or beadwork.' Carlson said she hopes her art, which is grounded in her background of scientific illustration and nature journaling, raises awareness for nature's sometimes overlooked creatures. 'Rusty Patched Bumblebees – they are adorable. I've never seen one in person. I've seen specimens at the Field Museum. I've gotten permission to see them and draw them up close.' She added that land is always at risk to be developed. 'We have got to protect our wild spaces and encourage people to plant natives in their own yards,' she said. 'We can be way stations to bigger spaces. Even a little patch can be a nesting ground. So I hope people get excited about native plants and seeing my art.' One of her favorite mediums is printmaking, which she began doing about 10 years ago after inheriting tools and blocks from her grandmother. The Plum Creek Nature Center exhibit showcases block prints as well as some of her sketchbooks – a 'peek behind the scenes' as well as tools. Visitors can make prints of their own on paper and tea towels using nature-themed stamps and carving their own linoleum block at a workshop July 26. There is a $20 fee and registration is required. Information is at Farther west, forest preserve enthusiasts will find 'The Joy of Birds,' a free exhibit featuring 20 watercolor paintings by Homer Glen artist Robert Hafey. It can be seen from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays until July 6 at Four Rivers Environmental Education Center in Channahon. 'All of my watercolor paintings, with the exception of one, were done from photographs that I took on the trails of Will County,' Hafey shared. 'I generally walk the Centennial Trail every day in Romeoville. It runs along the Des Plaines River. I do that almost every morning, four miles. I carry a large camera with me and I shoot bird photographs.' Capturing birds on camera has taught Hafey that each species has its own traits and habits, and he's continually inspired by things such as 'a migrating warbler in constant movement with an almost frantic look on its face, as it scans every branch and leaf for insects to fuel the night flight ahead.' 'Birds are loved by all. They have always and will continue to spark our interest because of their beauty and ability to fly. That is why, for me, they are the perfect subject,' he shared. 'Painting birds almost guarantees my artwork will be appreciated and bring joy to people.' Hafey said the forest preserve center is a 'natural place' for his art to be displayed, and visitors' reactions are all the thanks he needs. 'One of the things I love when people approach my work and look at it is I often see them looking at it and smiling. That is my reward for my artwork is to have them appreciate it, and to have them appreciate it in that setting makes it come together.' He hopes people 'feel the joy of observing nature through art.' 'My goal is to have the gallery visitors leave with an elevated interest in both the arts and nature,' Hafey said. 'Viewers will experience joy – the joy that nature brings to those who take the time to slow down, visit a local hiking trail or park and just observe the natural world. The gallery visitors may be inspired to get outside and look for the birds observed in the exhibit. 'All the birds portrayed live in or pass through Will County,' he added. 'I hope the paintings ignite or renew the viewer's belief that the natural world must be protected and the caretakers of our natural spaces must be supported.' Some of the district's past displays include 'Frida Kahlo's Garden' and the 'Inspired by the National Parks' and 'Inspired by Endangered Species' quilt exhibitions. Another exhibit, Becorns: Little Acorn People Living Big Lives, is on display through June 29 at Hidden Oaks Nature Center in Bolingbrook. 'Those are just three of the more unique exhibits our visitors have been able to enjoy in recent years,' said Forest Preserve District spokeswoman Cindy Wojdyla Cain. The district also has partnered with the Bolingbrook Arts Council in the past. For instance, Hidden Oaks Nature Center hosted 'The Natural World Art Exhibit' in 2023, which featured a variety of nature-themed artwork by local artists Earlier this year, the district featured the 'Smokey Bear: The Rudy Wendelin Collection' exhibit at four forest preserve visitor centers. It showcased paintings of the U.S. Forest Service's mascot. 'When I reviewed all the exhibits we've had in recent years, I'm kind of amazed myself how varied they are — from Frida Kahlo to Smokey the Bear. Including local artists is always a priority, too,' Cain said. 'We're a local government agency, so we like to give local people opportunities to show off their passion for nature.' The district's willingness to embrace a variety of artists 'highlights the critical connection between creativity and natural inspiration. Artists have been inspired by nature since they began drawing in caves,' she added. 'And in a day and age of electronic bombardment and hyper connectivity, it's wonderful to see so many artists who are still inspired by the bees, blossoms and birds in our preserves.'
Chicago Tribune
23-06-2025
- Politics
- Chicago Tribune
Editorial: Illinois is wooing foreign tourists, despite a hostile White House and a blue-red divide
Chicago hosted an influential travel group at McCormick Place last week, putting on a show to win international tourist and convention business. From a blowout opening night at the Field Museum to tours of neighborhoods, sports venues and dining hotspots, the program was impressive. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker were on hand to give friendly, uncontroversial welcomes. But like most of the attendees, they danced around the elephant in the room. When it comes to attracting foreign visitors to the U.S., there's no ignoring President Donald J. Trump. The conference opened Sunday as a 'No Kings' rally attracted thousands of protesters downtown, a military parade rolled through Washington, D.C., and U.S. troops patrolled Los Angeles in a Trump-ordered show of force. While the conference-goers were heading out on Monday for an evening meant to showcase the Magnificent Mile, Trump was urging U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to stage more armed roundups of unauthorized migrants in Chicago, New York and L.A. As the tour operators and travel writers sampled Mr. Beef sandwiches and Pequod's pizzas, the administration proposed a ban on travel from up to 36 more countries, on top of 19 travel bans already in effect. Trump's tariffs have weakened the dollar, which makes foreign travel to the U.S. more affordable. But no one should fool themselves about a trade war being good for business — tourism included. No amount of catchy marketing can easily overcome America's hostility to the rest of the planet since Trump took office in January. Foreign visitors have reason to worry they could be detained at customs, their devices searched, their visas canceled. So how does the U.S. Travel Association cope with an administration throwing up so many roadblocks at many of the same countries it's trying to woo? Geoff Freeman, chief executive of the travel group, acknowledged the 'growing perception' that America doesn't want foreign visitors. 'That perception is costing us,' he told conference-goers. 'The world is watching.' In an interview, Freeman said the administration, including Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy, finally is getting the message being more welcoming to visitors, especially with the FIFA World Cup coming to 11 U.S. cities next year and L.A. hosting the Summer Olympics in 2028. Yet that's the same Secretary Duffy who just threatened to withhold federal transportation funding from cities such as Chicago where the most vehement anti-ICE protests take place. The us-vs.-them divide that characterizes the administration's approach to blue states didn't appear to be spilling over to the travel officials exhibiting at the conference. 'Travel shouldn't be a debate on blue or red,' noted Cole Irwin, global travel and trade director for deep-red South Dakota. 'We don't want to turn anyone away.' And travelers open to new experiences aren't concerned with a state's politics, according to Jane Powell, executive director of a tourism group in South Carolina. The 'whole blue state, red state thing' is more of an issue in the media than among travelers she interacts with, Powell said. Dan Marengo of California's Visit Berkeley acknowledged what he considers 'crazy rhetoric coming out of Washington,' but believes 'California is too powerful a destination for people to stay away.' Here's hoping. Illinois tourism officials are praying the Trump chill doesn't last. The Choose Chicago tourism group has made something of a post-pandemic comeback, hiring a new chief executive, Kristen Reynolds, and launching a new ad blitz. The $4 million ad campaign features the slogan, 'Never Done. Never Outdone,' which we doubt will become a viral sensation like, 'I Love New York' or 'Keep Austin Weird.' But it represents a vast improvement over the baffling 'Chicago Not in Chicago' tourism campaign that bombed in 2022. We'll be watching the numbers. Here's what we know about tourism growth in our city last year. Chicago welcomed an estimated 55.3 million visitors in 2024, marking a 6.5% increase from the previous year, according to a 2025 Choose Chicago report. Preliminary data shows that international visitation exceeded 2 million for the first time since 2019 — a year-over-year jump of more than 10%. Tourism generated an estimated $20.6 billion in total economic impact. On the conventions and events front, 1,891 meetings and conventions booked by Choose Chicago were held in 2024, contributing more than $3 billion to the local economy. The city and state have put their best foot forward, and now it's up to foreign visitors to decide whether they want to venture into a country that has become, to many, Trump Country. Here's hoping Chicago's rekindled tourism efforts are not only 'Never Outdone,' but also never 'done in' by whatever comes next from Washington.
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Juneteenth 2025: How to celebrate in Chicago
CHICAGO — Juneteenth, celebrated on June 19, marks the day in 1865 in which Black people who were still enslaved over two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed learned they were finally free. As the federal holiday approaches, communities across the city prepare to mark the day with music festivals, educational panels and celebrations. Chicago offers countless ways to honor Juneteenth, including: What: A celebration themed 'Getting to the Heart of the Matter' with breakfast, panel discussions, a blood drive, resource fair, senior Bingo and $10,000 in scholarships will be awarded to 10 students. When: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on June 14 Where: Malcolm X College, 1900 W Jackson Boulevard Price: Free but pre-registration is strongly encouraged What: A day of celebration, reflection and community with education, food, local vendors and entertainment. When: 8 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. on June 19 Where: DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center, 740 East 56th Place Price: Free What: A day of celebration and empowerment with a live DJ, raffle and prizes, food, guest speakers, hair care experts, free barber services and a genealogist. When: 1-5 p.m. on June 19 Where: Harry S Truman College, 1145 West Wilson Avenue Price: Free What: A music festival centered around 80's and 90's R&B classics with performances by Ashanti, Lil Kim, Mya, Lloyd and Chicago's Donnell Jones. When: 8 p.m. on June 19 Where: Wintrust Arena, 200 E Cermak Road Price: Tickets start at $65.50 What: An annual fest that offers educational workshops, live music, free food, a Father's Day grill off, Black veterans' military ceremony and more. When: 12-8 p.m. on June 19 and 3-8 p.m. on June 20 Where: Garfield Park, W Music Court Drive Price: Free What: A day to reflect and rejoice with local vendors, live performances, cultural showcases, food, art, history and family fun. The theme is 'Honoring the Legacy of Freedom: Remembering the Past, Inspiring the Future.' When: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on June 19 Where: Two blocks – from 35th through 37th and King Drive (east side of the street) Price: Free What: A day for learning about Juneteenth at the Field Museum's African Fashion exhibit which features a live runway show with original designs and contemporary African style. When: Fashion show begins at 12 p.m. Where: Field Museum, 1400 S DuSable Lake Shore Drive Price: Included with Field Museum admission Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
CBS News
12-06-2025
- Science
- CBS News
Piece of pristine asteroid gives Field Museum scientists a look billions of years into the past
Field Museum scientist will be able to temporarily study of piece of pristine asteroid Field Museum scientist will be able to temporarily study of piece of pristine asteroid Field Museum scientist will be able to temporarily study of piece of pristine asteroid Scientists at the Field Museum can now get a glimpse of 4.5 billion years into the past. This is because the museum is the new temporary home to a tiny piece of a pristine asteroid. The little black fragment came from the near-Earth asteroid called Bennu. NASA launched a mission in 2016 to retrieve samples of the asteroid and brought them back two years ago. Now, scientists at the Field Museum will use a scanning electron microscope to get an up-close look at the tiny piece. "We believe Bennu contains part of the ingredients for life and part of the ingredients of the formation of Earth," Dr. Phillipp Heck said. Unlike a meteorite, the asteroid's fragments are pristine, meaning they are uncontaminated by the Earth's atmosphere. The sample won't be on display, but the Field Museum is home to one of the largest collections of meteorites in the world.
