October 2017 Dinner Meeting

Speaker: Katherine Hamilton-Smith

"The Teich Postcard Archive:  Its Development and Significance"

In 2016 the Newberry Library received from the Lake County Forest Preserve District the Teich Archive, the world’s largest public collection of picture postcards.   Katherine Hamilton-Smith, founding curator of the archives, will provide a look at the Curt Teich Company of Chicago and the curatorial development of the collection.  

Chicago is the birthplace of the American picture postcard with the first cards printed for the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition.   Ms. Hamilton-Smith will explain how the cards, made for transitory enjoyment and communication, have gained an enduring documentary power and historical significance.   A special selection of cards from the remarkable archive will be available for viewing.    Katherine Hamilton-Smith is a Certified Archivist and member of the Illinois Historic Sites Advisory Council and Illinois State Archives Advisory Board.  Having managed the growth of the Teich archive for over three decades she is now the Director of Public Affairs and Development for the Lake County Forest Preserve District.

This event will also honor all living Past Presidents of the Caxton Club.

Ruggles Hall at The Newberry Library, 60 West Walton St.

Social gathering in Ruggles Hall: 5:00 – 6:30 PM
Viewing of selected cards from the collection: 6:30 PM
Dinner immediately follows the program.

The program is free and open to the public.

For reservations call 312-255-3710 or e-mail caxtonclub@newberry.org.  Dinner $63; drinks $5.  Reservation and cancellation deadline is noon on Monday, Oct. 16.  Caxton Club members may register and pay online at this Web site (thecaxtonclub.onefireplace.com).  Cancellations must be made by phone or e-mail, before the reservation deadline (no on-line cancellations).  Reserved non-attendees will be billed.