Distinctly His Own: The Life of George W. Maher was displayed from September 2018 \u2013 February 2020<\/em><\/span><\/p> Born on Christmas 1864 in West Virginia, George Maher grew up along the banks of the Ohio River in New Albany, Indiana. He made his way to Chicago and found work in the architectural offices of Joseph Lyman Silsbee. While there his ideas on architecture developed alongside fellow draftsman, Frank Lloyd Wright. As a contemporary of Wright, Maher would go on to make his own significant contributions to Prairie School architecture across the United States.<\/p> <\/div>\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n He made his home in Kenilworth. Not just in the house he built for his family, but also in the community he helped build around it. During his lifetime he designed and built some 40 structures in Kenilworth and many more that can still be seen across Chicago and its suburbs.<\/p> Yet for all the architectural achievements he is known for, discovering George Maher the individual is the focus of our new exhibit. He was a man who surrounded himself with friends and family and found joy in automobiles and agricultural projects. He was also a man who suffered from severe mental issues that ultimately brought an early end to his life and work.<\/p> <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nThis exhibit explored the life of renowned architect and Kenilworth resident, George W. Maher. Following his rise to success, his influence in the planning and development of Kenilworth, to his tragic ending.<\/h2> <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n