Barry Bruckner, 1999
As a group of 11 Urban Planners and Land Developers from Toronto, we went on the Historic Skyscrapers tour and couldn’t have been more pleased. Barry was our guide and was amazing. The architecture that the City of Chicago has is awe-inspiring. I would recommend this tour to everyone and anyone who enjoys architecture, buildings or history. I guarantee you will not be disappointed.
Jane Cahill, 2005
Three cheers to Jane Cahill who “saved” May 4’s Discover Chicago’s Historic Neighborhoods open air bus tour. She was planning just to ride along to refresh her own tour, to be given the next day, when a series of calamities hit: The docent who was to do the tour was stuck on Metra for an extra hour and couldn’t get in on time. Jane agreed to take the tour and dealt with a few “details” that came up. One was the bridge out of commission that required a quick detour her bus driver knew little about. He used Jane’s instructions to get over the River. The next was traffic getting on to Lake Shore Drive and here Jane dug up information about the Margaret Burroughs beach and park at 31st St. Thanks so much, Jane. You went above and beyond — and that’s why docents are so terrific. – Kathleen Carpenter and Ellen Shubart, Co-tour Directors, Discover Chicago’s Historic Neighborhoods Tour
Leslie Clark Lewis, 2009
Good Afternoon – I was not sure who to reach out to exactly to express a rave review for a docent who ran the 1:30 First Lady cruise this past Sunday, May 21st. Leslie Clark Lewis was an excellent, enthusiastic, and extremely knowledgeable guide. I have been on the boat tour quite a few times, and this time I was there with some newcomers to Chicago. They were very enamored by the whole experience, and I wanted to take a moment to praise Leslie’s commentary. I hope she and all of the volunteer docents are commended for a job well done! Thank you! Mary Koleno
Harvey Goldman, VEV
Dear Harvey – Yomi here. We met during my visit to Chicago last week, during which I was at the Chicago Architecture Foundation twice. Thanks for making my visit enriching through sharing of your deep knowledge on developments in Chicago. I have watched the DVD on Burnham’s Chicago City Plan and can attest you were right suggesting the DVD to me as a must-see on Chicago’s city transformation. I will also like to receive update on events by the Chicago Architecture Foundation. Thanks again and let’s continue to keep in touch. Regards,
Yomi Babatunde, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, School of Construction Economics and Management
Mary Jo Hoag, 2007
We had the best weather and we were eager to go on the Devil in the White City tour. From beginning to end, our docent kept our enthusiasm up. I do think that 90% of our enjoyment came from listening to her. We’ll continue to take tours. They are rewarding and certainly worth the fee. Our docent was Mary Jo – wonderful guide. Kudos!
Marisol Kelly, 2015
Hi – It was a pleasure working with Marisol Kelly last Saturday. When a private tour straggled in late and wanted to leave early, she quickly suggested ways to customize our tour to meet their needs and time constraints. Brilliant ideas & great teamwork!!! Thanks – Jeff Zurlinden
Tom Kinsella, 2006
On the River Cruise, Tom Kinsella, was a most amiable, informative host. It was a very chilly, windy afternoon, but he kept us informed and entertained. I recommend this to anyone who asks, and even if they don’t! Worth every penny.
Lisa Pickell, 2015
The River Cruise was the highlight of our three-day tour in Chicago, Oak Park and Racine. We considered the docent, Lisa, superb!!! Her knowledge and delivery was outstanding. I am recommending to anyone who is traveling to Chicago to take the tour. My compliments to the docent and your organization. Sincerely, Kira Block, Grand Rapids, Michigan
Susan Robertson, 2009
My daughter and I went on the Art Deco Downtown tour led by Susan Robertson. Outstanding experience and value. She is a first-rate guide. She managed the group perfectly and her information and presentation were world-class. Plenty of time for questions and photographs. I could write about this for six more paragraphs, but stop reading and take your tour as soon as possible! – John, Tucson, Arizona
David Smith, 2006
Hello! I was one of a group of four from the Toronto area who took the First Lady noon River Cruise on Friday April 28 of this year. Just now I was about to throw out my ticket stub from the cruise and wanted to let you know how much we all enjoyed it. I really wanted to sing the praises of our tour guide on that particular cruise but I am not certain of his name. He is terrific—knowledgeable, friendly, engaging, had a lovely arc to his comments throughout. Many thanks to him, and thanks to you for making these explorations that much more navigable.
Kind regards, Gwen Swick
Leanne Star, 2011
Our River Cruise tour guide made us laugh and connected us with the city in a beautiful way. It was the BEST part of our trip and maybe of the year! Thank you for sharing your knowledge, jokes, and stories, Leanne! Love, the girls from Santa Barbara
Peter Weil, 2015
Historic Treasures
The docent for our Historic Treasures tour was informative and interesting and personable. We enjoyed the tour immensely! Thank you!