Join historian and author James K. Hanna for a discussion of Edward Vattmann, a prominent Wilmette historical figure.
Father Edward J. Vattmann was a well-loved retired U.S. Army chaplain who lived in Wilmette and ministered to the Catholic parish at St. Joseph's Church. He was active in both local affairs and national politics, being close friends with Theodore Roosevelt. During World War I, Father Vattmann came out of retirement to serve at Fort Sheridan. He was also one of the four founders of the Wilmette Park District, and a small park on Lake Avenue in Wilmette is named after him.
Mr. Hanna is the author of For God and Country: The Remarkable Life of Edward Vattmann, Priest and Patriot (Serif Press, 2024).
From the south: Go north on Green Bay Road. Turn left on Wilmette Ave. Turn right on Park Ave. Library is located on the corner of Wilmette Ave. and Park Ave. Parking lot is on the north side of the building.
From the north: Go south on Green Bay Road. Turn right on Wilmette Ave. Turn right on Park Ave. Library is located on the corner of Wilmette Ave. and Park Ave. Parking lot is on the north side of the building.
From I-94 (Edens Expressway):from the South - exit at Lake Ave. East. Go east on Lake Ave. a little over 2 miles. Turn right on Park Ave. • from the North - exit at Rt. 41/Skokie Blvd. Turn left (east) on Lake Ave. Go east on Lake Ave. a little over 2 miles. Turn right on Park Ave.
Mass transit options include CTA, Metra, and Pace.
