NorCham Sleipner-Plaque & McCormick Bridgehouse and Chicago River Museum

NorCham Chicago Sleipner-Pihlstedt Event

October 7, 2023 12:00 pm - 3:00pm 

beginning at the McCormick Bridgehouse and Chicago River Museum

Presentation at the McCormick Bridgehouse and Chicago River Museum on Michigan Avenue Bridge

• Thomas Pihlstedt and Swedish Engineers (Patrick McBriardy)
• View the gears, history, and design of Chicago River bridges
• Tour by Josh Coles, of  Friends of the Chicago River
• 5 levels accessible by stairs.
• See also  Chicago Bridge Engineers

 Visit to Sleipner Plaque on State Street bridge

• 1862 and following arrivals
• Sleipner Plaque chicago
• Sleipner sailing history

Cash bar on the Riverwalk

Reservation and tickets are required through this website.  $20 NorCham Chiocago Members, $30 Non-Members

Background

The City of Chicago came into being because of its location on Lake Michigan at the mouth of the Chicago River. When canals and channels were built to reverse the flow of the Chicago River and connect Lake Michigan to the Mississippi River, Scandinavian and other immigrants contributed to the work of digging the canals. Swedish and Norwegian engineers designed the bridges over the river. Other Scandinavians found work in the architecture and construction of buildings that would establish Chicago as a world center for modern architecture. With the rebirth of the Chicago River as a transportation and recreation treasure, new attention is being earned. Learn about the history and design of the famous Chicago River Bridges. Visit the location of the Sleipner Plaque on the State Street bridge celebrating the first passenger ship from Europe that arrived in 1862 carrying Norwegian immigrants and fish. End the afternoon on the Riverwalk with refreshments.

Parking

Parking can be found on the Spot Hero app.  The 401 N. State Street garage is currently $14.