Echoes of Evanston: The Soul of Community Hospital is a live reading event that explores the significant yet often overlooked history of the Evanston Sanitarium, later known as Community Hospital, which served the black community on Chicago’s North Shore from 1914 to 1980.

In partnership with the Evanston Rules podcast and Shorefront Legacy Center, Northlight Theatre aims to bring to light the untold stories of the pioneering black physicians, healthcare teams, and patients who faced the challenges of healthcare during periods of racial segregation. Using artistic expression and storytelling, in-depth interviews with members of the community who experienced Community Hospital first-hand will be transformed into a compelling, immersive experience for today’s audience.

This live event is being produced in conjunction with The Evanston Rules podcast series “The Soul of Community Hospital”. The podcasts will connect historical narratives with today’s ongoing issues in healthcare, emphasizing the continuous fight for equity and justice. Through the artivism of the podcast series and the live event, we strive to illuminate the strong sense of community that thrived during this time, with extraordinary and revered doctors and nurses who intimately knew their patients, many of whom were neighbors. In doing so, we honor the resilient spirit and interconnectedness that defined this community.

Space is limited. Seats are free, but RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED.