On the heels of this month's release of Fire and Clay: How bricks reveal the hidden history of Chicago, APT is proud to welcome architectural historian, photographer, and tour host Will Quam in a members-only presentation on Thursday May 28th .
From University of Chicago Press: Will Quam is an architecture historian and photographer. Since 2016, he’s shared Chicago’s architecture and history through his project Brick of Chicago, also leading award-winning walking tours for thousands across the city. His photographs and expertise have been featured by PBS Chicago, The Chicago Tribune, Block Club Chicago, McSweeney’s, and more. You can find him at @brickofchicago on Instagram.
In his presentation, Will takes us into the catastrophic days in 1871 when much of Chicago burned. The renewal of the city and its' ultimate explosive growth was fueled by the technology of brickmaking that was just beginning to develop itself at a scale that could serve these emerging needs. Coupling geology and architecture with technology, brick would revolutionize how Chicago was built. We will allow about 15 minutes for audience Q&A afterward.
This presentation will dovetail into a walking tour that's pending at the end of June. Stay tuned for further details!
Presentation link will be emailed to registered participants approximately one day before the event. Event registration will close on 6/2/2026.
To become a member and participate in this webinar OR to join our upcoming members-only tour with Will, go to https://aptwglc.wildapricot.org/membership-application and join now!