What To Expect

Visitors can step back in time upon entering the magnificent Charles Gates Dawes House, a National Historic Landmark. Designed in 1894 by Henry Edwards Ficken, this distinctive family home on Greenwood Street immediately captivates with its grand presence and views of the Lake Michigan shore. Guests will begin their immersive journey into the 1920s, experiencing the very atmosphere where the Dawes family lived for over 40 years.

Inside, each room reveals the Dawes family's remarkable collection of furnishings and artwork, meticulously interpreted to showcase their lifestyle. They can tour the awe-inspiring Great Hall, the gracious reception parlors, the expansive library, and the unique galleried dining room, all while learning about the wide range of acquaintances, from neighborhood children to global dignitaries, who were welcomed here. The experience culminates with a deeper understanding of Charles Gates Dawes's impactful legacy as a Vice President, Nobel Peace Prize winner, and committed philanthropist.

Important Information: Charles and Caro Dawes arranged for Northwestern University to hold their house in trust for the Evanston History Center, ensuring it would remain a center for Evanston history and open to the community.