Book Buzz: Ann Durkin Keating

Historian and author Ann Durkin Keating came to the Forest Park library in what was a masterclass in Chicago and Forest Park history. I was lucky enough to moderate the April 11 conversation.
Known for her co-editorship of The Encyclopedia of Chicago and her deep dives into the city’s urban development, Keating brought a rich, nuanced perspective to the stories that have shaped the region. 

She explained the layered relationships between people who lived here long ago and the geography of the area.  She highlighted our area’s portage between the Great Lakes and the Des Plaines River which later connects to the Mississippi River and the ecological transition zone between the Eastern Woodlands and Prairie in our region.  These and additional regional natural landscapes influenced the events that unfolded in the18th century and the founding of Chicago and the early days of Harlem, now Forest Park.  
 Illinois was recognized as a state in 1818, and the relationship of the people to the land shifted to one of real estate and property ownership.  Leon Bourassa purchased the property we now know of as Forest Park, becoming the first landowner here.  He was a man who was known as Metis, being both of French and Native American decent, like many other fur traders of the time including Archange Ouilmette (Wilmette name sake), Jean-Baptist Beaubien (Chicago), Jean Baptiste Point DuSable (Chicago) and Alexander Robinson (Naperville).  He and his wife, Mnitoqua would have had many relationships for trade.   Underscoring the importance of the land as real estate in the “new American West.” 



Durkin Keating invited the audience to see Chicago — and its surrounding communities like Forest Park — as living, evolving entities. She traced the city’s transformation from early settlements to its emergence as a major metropolis, highlighting the interplay of social, economic, and cultural forces. 
She focused on the often-overlooked narratives that contribute to the city’s complex tapestry. She shed light on the experiences of various communities, the impact of industrialization, and the significance of local landmarks. This inclusive approach resonated with attendees, many of whom saw their own histories reflected in her stories including a descendant of Mnitoqua and Leon Bourassa who was in attendance.
The event underscored the importance of public libraries as centers for lifelong learning and community engagement. By bringing in speakers like Durkin Keating, the Forest Park Public Library fosters a deeper understanding of our shared heritage and encourages ongoing dialogue about our collective future. 
In a time when historical narratives are often contested or oversimplified, Durkin Keating’s talk served as a reminder of the value of thorough, empathetic scholarship. Her insights not only enriched our understanding of Chicago’s past but also highlighted the importance of and power of local history.  

Written by Jill Wagner for the Forest Park Review