Historian looks at 'Americans and Their Homes'

The Elmhurst History Museum's current exhibit, "House & Home," takes visitors on a tour of America's rich history of residential architecture exploring the remarkable transformations in technology, laws and consumer culture that have brought about enormous change in American domestic life.

What is it about our homes that make them distinctly American, and why are Americans so connected to their homes?

Historian Dr. Michael H. Ebner takes an in-depth look at "Americans and Their Homes" during a slide lecture from 2 to 3 p.m. Thursday, May 11, in the Elmhurst History Museum's Education Center, 120 E. Park Ave.

Ebner is the James D. Vail III professor of history emeritus at Lake Forest College, where he taught American history for 38 years. He is also a lecturer, consultant and author best known for his prizewinning book, "Creating Chicago's North Shore: A Suburban History (1988)."

His op-ed essays and book reviews have appeared in the Chicago Sun-Times, Chicago Tribune, History News Network and Philadelphia Inquirer.

Ebner is the recipient of awards - as a mentor, teacher and for public service - from the American Historical Association, the City College of New York and Lake Forest College, and he is a life trustee at the Chicago History Museum.

His lecture is free for members of the Elmhurst Heritage Foundation and $5 for nonmembers. Reservations may be made online at www.elmhursthistory.org (in the Adult Program section) or by calling (630) 833-1457.

This lecture is the final program presented in conjunction with the museum's "House & Home" display, a traveling exhibit from the National Building Museum in Washington, D.C., and NEH on the Road.

The exhibit explores the various meanings of home to Americans through an array of household objects, interactive displays, detailed house models, video content and more. Admission to the exhibit is free.