Join the Cook County Historical Society for the 4th annual “Stories that Matter: Women of Cook County” event at the Johnson Heritage Post Art Gallery.

This year, CCHS will feature stories from local photographer Maude Toftey, who was a teacher in Grand Marais and a hobby photographer who took photos for the Cook County News Herald, among many other projects. CCHS has around 500 glass negatives of Maude’s photos, capturing life in Cook County in the early 1900s.

We will also feature Joan Drury, an award-winning feminist author, activist, and publisher who dedicated her life to uplifting women's voices through her work Spinsters Ink, the Harmony Women's Fund, and the Norcroft writing retreat. Joan also founded Drury Lane Books and is the namesake behind the Violence Prevention Center’s Joan Drury Award, which recognizes a Cook County community member who is committed to feminism and gender equity through volunteerism, community commitment, personal awareness, promotion of education, awareness, and outreach, and philanthropy.

Admission to the Johnson Heritage Post and this event is free and open to the public. However, due to the popularity of this event, advanced reservations will be required. Stay tuned for more details about when reservations will become available.

Cook County Historical Society members will have access to make reservations before the general public. To become a member, visit: cookcountyhistory.org/support.

To be the first to hear about advanced reservations, sign up for our newsletter here: cookcountyhistory.org/subscribe.