On Thursday, October 24, join us for an informative and engaging evening at the Kenilworth Historical Society’s 2024 Biennial Dinner. This year’s dinner, “Picture Perfect: Kenilworth Through the Lens of Its Iconic Homes” will celebrate the village’s beloved residences alongside our latest exhibit, “Kenilworth Centennial Homes, 1889-1924”. Renowned architectural historian and author Susan Benjamin will guide guests through a visual journey of Kenilworth’s architectural history, shedding light on the evolution of the village’s distinctive character. Susan will share fascinating insights into Kenilworth’s most notable homes, bringing each one to life with both current and historical interior and exterior photographs. Guests will enjoy cocktails and a plated dinner while learning about local history.

Susan Benjamin is an architectural historian with over 40 years of experience in a broad variety of preservation activities. She and the members of her firm, Benjamin Historic Certifications, have written numerous local and National Register landmark nominations for noteworthy Illinois buildings of all periods and styles. Her firm also documents buildings for the Historic American Buildings Survey and assembles architectural surveys. Susan frequently lectures on a variety of topics and has authored several books, including her most recent, Modern in the Middle, Chicago Houses, 1929-1975, and North Shore Chicago: Houses of the Lakefront Suburbs, 1890-1940, which she co-authored with architect Stuart Cohen.  

Reservations for the 2024 Biennial Dinner are $110 per person for members and $130 per person for non-members (all inclusive). The cocktail reception begins at 6:00 p.m., followed by a dinner of fall-inspired dishes at 7:00 p.m., the program at 8:00 p.m., and closing traditions at 9:00 p.m. Please make reservations by Thursday, October 17. 

The Kenilworth Historical Society appreciates the generous support of Fenner Plastic Surgery, Nature’s Perspective Landscaping, Inc., Rosborough Partners, Kipp and Keeler Interior Design, Kenilworth Dental Associates, Prairie Blue Landscapes, Megan Mawicke Bradley, Scott Simpson Design + Build, Bartlett Tree Experts, Bratschi Plumbing, and de Giulio Design, all sponsors of the 2024 Biennial Dinner.