Badass women of history

Storytelling Experience

Chicago’s history is full of women who broke rules, followed unlikely paths, and quietly reshaped the city around them.

Chicago Detours and the nonprofit WIND will present a participatory storytelling event at Hopewell Brewing in Logan Square on Sunday, March 22. All genders and ages are welcome.

Through historic images and short stories, we’ll explore the lives of Chicago-connected women—from an intense dancer to a clerical powerhouse helping immigrants navigate new lives in the city. One was once called “the most dangerous woman in America.”

Tickets benefit Women Initiating New Directions (WIND), a Chicago nonprofit supporting women rebuilding their lives after incarceration.

Storytelling and facilitation for this late afternoon event will be primarily led by Amanda Scotese of Chicago Detours.

virtual team building bessie coleman
logan square cultural event

WHAT TO EXPECT

  • Six surprising stories of Chicago women with 50+ images

  • A gathering of curious people interested in Chicago history

  • A short memoir reading by a leader in WIND’s writing workshops

  • 100% of proceeds support the nonprofit WIND 

  • See FAQs for more details

Hopewell Brewing
2760 N. Milwaukee Ave

March 22

Doors 4:15 PM
Program 5:00–6:15 PM
Mingle until 7:00 PM

$0-50 tickets

ABOUT CHICAGO DETOURS & AMANDA

Chicago Detours began in 2010 as a tour company “for curious people.” Today it continues through occasional storytelling events and cultural experiences.

Amanda Scotese is the founder of Chicago Detours and has spent more than a decade designing experiences that connect people more deeply to place and each other.

ABOUT WIND

Founded in 2018, Women Initiating New Directions (WIND) is a Chicago nonprofit that supports women with a history of incarceration as they rebuild their lives.

 Through mentoring, community, and leadership development, WIND helps women design a thriving life journey and create lasting change for themselves and their families. 

faqs

Yes. All ages are welcome and probably most enjoyable for kids 9 and up.

Non-alcoholic options include coffee, seltzer, and THC/CBD beverages. Alcoholic beverages will also be available.

There is no food at the venue, but good options nearby are Rasa Indian or for a quicker bite try Chiya Chai or Spicy Taco.

Street parking is usually easy this time on a Sunday. If you have trouble, try parking west of Kimball.

In addition to the short historical stories there are a few light audience activities, such as reflecting on a story, sharing with a neighbor, or contributing a creative response. Participation is simple and always optional.

Ellen

Private Tour Coordinator and Tour Guide

There is no shortage of things to discover in Chicago—I love being an urban explorer and uncovering its hidden places. I have an MA in Public History from Loyola University Chicago, and I have worked as a museum educator and kindergarten teacher. My desire to learn new things fuels my passion for educating others, which I get to experience every day as a Chicago tour guide. I live in the northern neighborhood of Rogers Park.

“Our guide Ellen was exceptional and gifted with a great personal touch.”
Robert
GetYourGuide

Jen

Tour Guide

Whether you are a first-time visitor or a lifelong resident, the vibrant history and modern majesty of Chicago never ceases to amaze. I’m a graduate of Columbia College with an M.A. in Interdisciplinary Art. I’ve worked for many years as an educator at City Colleges of Chicago. As tour guide at Chicago Detours, I integrate my enthusiasm for culture and architecture with my passion as an educator. West Town/Noble Square area is home for me.

“Jen was a perfect storyteller and kept us spellbound for hours.”
Heather
TripAdvisor

Elyse

Tour Guide

With our Chicago neighborhoods, vibrant cultural institutions and nearly two centuries of larger-than-life stories, there’s never a dull moment here! I’m a fifth generation Chicagoan and a graduate of Washington University in St. Louis. In addition to guiding tours, I’m a creative writer and amateur genealogist. I also enjoy the city’s dynamic theater scene. You can also read overlooked stories from 19th-century newspapers on my “Second Glance History” blog. I live in River North.

Anthony

Tour Guide

Chicago is unique as it always evolves into the future while holding on to the past. I’m fascinated by how people latch on to old architecture but happily pave over others. My background is in theater and performance and I’ve been a tour guide here for more than 10 years. Currently I’m finishing my Master’s in Public History at Loyola University because I love to teach the history of this scrappy city. I’m in the Edgewater neighborhood.

Marie

Operations Coordinator and Tour Guide

Chicago’s history is so fascinating, you could spend a lifetime uncovering its secrets…I’m willing to give it a try! I have an M.A. in US History from the University of Nevada-Las Vegas and then pursued doctoral studies in Urban History at the University of Illinois at Chicago. I love to learn new aspects of Chicago’s rich history and then share my knowledge as a tour guide with Chicago Detours. I live in Ravenswood.

“Marie was a bubbling fountain of information and contagious enthusiasm.”
Lorit
TripAdvisor

Sonny

Operations Coordinator and Tour Guide

As a fourth generation Chicagoan, I have been living and loving Chicago by bike, on foot, public transit or automobile. I am a graduate of UIC where through the College of Urban Planning and Public Affairs, began my eagerness to understand the nature, history and impacts of urban planning and development. It is incredibly rewarding to give back to this wonderful city by helping out in the office of Chicago Detours. I live in the incredibly diverse neighborhood of Albany Park.
“Sonny was extremely knowledgeable about all things Chi-town.”
Wade K
TripAdvisor

Alex

Content Manager and Tour Guide

Chicago has so many neighborhoods, buildings, and by-ways that it’s hard to go long without seeing something new, or something familiar from a new angle. I studied Cinema History for my M.A. from the University of Chicago. I’ve worked as a culture writer for various publications and as an educator of the humanities at the City Colleges of Chicago. I’m thrilled to share my love of this city’s busy past and unique architectural spaces with Chicago Detours. I live in the Chicago neighborhood of Lincoln Park.

“Alex was fascinating to listen to. He clearly knows his history and it shows.”
Katie K
Yelp

Amanda Scotese

Executive Director and Tour Guide

I’m an interpreter of personal stories from the past and the city’s landscape. I love to imagine what originally happened inside old unmarked buildings, and what forces have shaped their design. I studied Chicago history, architectural history, and anything Chicago-related through my M.A. in the Humanities at the University of Chicago. My love for stories was enriched by my B.A. in Literature from the University of Michigan. I’ve written travel articles for publications like Rick Steves’ Italy best-selling travel guides, the San Francisco Bay Guardian, and The Chicago Food Encyclopedia. I live in the Chicago neighborhood of West Avondale.
“You can TELL Amanda is hyper-passionate about doing the research and getting the story that nobody’s heard before.”
Shelby F
Yelp

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