Date:
Location: Chicago, IL AIA Chicago, 35 E Wacker Dr suite 250
Join AIA Chicago and the Chicago Chapter of the Society of Architectural Historians for a fascinating lecture by B.C. “Bud” Hopkins, AIA—genealogist, author, retired architect, and great-great-grandnephew of John Mills Van Osdel (1811–1891), widely recognized as Chicago’s first architect.
July 30, 5:30-7:30pm.
Bud Hopkins will share insights from his new book, John Mills Van Osdel, Architect, and His Chicago: The Story of His Life, 1811 to 1891, which explores the remarkable life and legacy of his ancestor. Born in Baltimore, Van Osdel arrived in Chicago in 1837 and went on to shape the city’s architectural identity. His portfolio included everything from homes and hotels to grain elevators, City Hall, bridges, and pumping stations.
An early abolitionist and civic leader, Van Osdel served on the Chicago City Council following the Great Fire of 1871 and was instrumental in drafting one of the nation’s first building codes. Among his most enduring works is the Church of the Holy Family (1860), located at 1080 West Roosevelt Road, next to St. Ignatius College Prep.
Don’t miss this unique opportunity to learn about the man who helped build the foundations—literally and figuratively—of modern Chicago.
Books will be available for purchase and signing following the lecture. Payment will be accepted as cash, check, Venmo, or Zelle.
B.C. “Bud” Hopkins II
Retired Genealogist, Author
B.C. “Bud” Hopkins II is a genealogist, author, and retired architect with deep family ties to architecture, being the great-great-grandnephew of prominent Chicago architect John Mills Van Osdel. Inspired by stories from his grandmother, Anna Scott Van Osdel Heyland, Bud developed a lifelong passion for architecture and genealogy. He has spent over 25 years researching his extensive family history and authored a three-volume series on the Hopkins/Willcox family. A member of several professional historical and biographical organizations, Bud resides in Plano, Texas, with his wife of 45 years, Suzanne, and their dog, Siri.
