Tag along for a special conversation with Geoffrey Baer, beloved Chicago historian, storyteller, and host of numerous PBS programs exploring the architecture, history, and hidden stories of the city and surrounding region. Known for bringing local history to life, Baer has helped audiences connect more deeply with the places and communities around them.                                                                                                                                                                    

Perfect for librarians, archivists, educators, history lovers, and lifelong learners, this event offers an engaging look at the people, places, and stories that define Chicago. Whether you're passionate about local history or simply curious about the stories hidden in your own community, you'll leave with a renewed appreciation for the power of preserving and sharing the past.
Moderator

Shermann "Dilla" Thomas, an Emmy Award-winning Chicago historian, cultural worker, and social media educator, will join Geoffrey in conversation. Known for making Chicago history accessible and engaging, Dilla has amassed more than 40 million views across social media and become a leading voice in telling the stories of the city he proudly calls home.

This event will occur via Zoom on Tuesday, October 20, @ 7 PM. The event is free on Zoom and open to the public, but registration is required.  

 

 Patron FAQ

What platform is used for the live event and registration?

• Events take place on Zoom.

Will this program be recorded?

• Yes. Event recordings will be accessible to registered attendees for a limited time, typically up to 30 days, in accordance with contractual agreements with the speakers. 

Where will the recording be posted?

• On YouTube. The link will be emailed to Zoom registrants (those who attended the live event and those who did not). The email will come directly from Zoom and will include the final date to view the recording.

When will the recording be posted?

• Within 5 days of the program (pending actual post-production time). It will be viewable typically up to 30 days from the post date.
   

Can I share the video with my patrons after the event?

• Yes, the event recording links will be made available via the newsletter and also sent directly to each registrant.
  Member libraries may share these with their library community only. 

Will the event be captioned?

• Yes

Who is the audience for this event?

• Adults

What if someone needs accommodations?

• American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation and Closed Captioning are provided for all events by default—no special request needed.

Are attendees not allowed to record the event or use AI-based tools (such as notetakers, summarizers, or transcription services)?

• Attendees are NOT permitted to use AI-based tools (such as notetakers, summarizers, or transcription services) or to record the event in any form. If an ILA-ILP moderator observes the use of these tools during a session, attendees will be immediately removed from the event. Repeated violations will result in a temporary or permanent ban from attending future events.
   

What if a patron can’t find/says they never received their Zoom registration link?

• After completing registration on Zoom, patrons need to allow up to two business days for the registration to be approved. Once approved, registrants will receive an email confirmation with the link to join the event. We recommend that patrons check their spam/junk mail folders if they do not receive a confirmation within two business days
   
• The event link is emailed from Zoom with the subject heading related to the event they are registering for.