Name/Title
Ask HenryDescription
Glessner House
Chicago, IL
A life-size cutout of house architect Henry Hobson Richardson was placed in a front window to greet neighbors and other passers-by after closure in mid-March. To make the experience more interactive, twice a week, Henry would post a question on the window that related to the history of the house or the surrounding Prairie Avenue Historic District. People were directed to the website and the new page entitled "Ask Henry" where they could find the answer. Over the course of four months, Henry asked 30 questions ranging from architectural details to the Glessners' skye terrier Hero, and from Chicago's oldest house (right around the corner) to the local connection to the origins of Memorial Day.
Glessner House closed again on November 20 and will remain closed through February 28, 2021. Henry will soon be returning to the front window, this time donning a Santa hat and asking questions about the origins of popular Christmas customs of today. Our portly friend, who weighed in at 370 pounds, makes the perfect stand in for the jolly "Ghost of Christmas Present."