This project explores the role of Chicago in the Folk Music Revival of the 1950s, 60s, and 70s, particularly through the contributions of two key figures: “documentarian,” Raeburn Flerlage, who left a vast visual legacy of performers and venues, and “visionary” Win Stracke, who co-founded the Old Town School of Folk Music, an institution devoted to teaching and learning folk music.

Watch a recreation of one of Chicago's historical silent movies, Max Wants A Divorce, filmed in 1916 by Essanay Studios, and listen to new period-based musical accompaniment by composer and musicologist Don Meyer, professor of music.

Preserving Irish Traditional Music in Chicago: Francis O'Neill examines the role played by Chicago’s Chief of Police from 1901-1905 in the collection, promotion, and publication of Irish traditional music in Chicago.

Like any other memento from an enjoyable trip, musical souvenirs such as the piano and vocal pieces collected here offered audible memories for people to buy, take home, and play in their parlors as a reminder of their visit to Chicago and the 1893 World’s Fair.