Geoffrey Baer: Emmy-Winning Host, Producer & Writer - PBS, Chicago’s WTTW

Chicago's Sacred Spaces

There is no denying the feeling you get when you enter a house of worship: a sense of mystery, peace, awe, and delight. Whether majestic or modest, sacred spaces are carefully designed to transport us to a spiritual place for quiet mediation as well as bold contemplation about the meaning of life. In this talk, WTTW program host Geoffrey Baer looks at the architecture and history of some of Chicagoland’s most inspiring churches, synagogues, mosques, Buddhist and Hindu temples, and other spiritual sites. From humble storefronts to buildings designed by world-famous architects. He’ll show how sacred spaces shaped communities and decode the dazzling stained glass, iconography and other beautiful elements that adorn these marvelous places.

Geoffrey Baer is a nine-time Emmy-winning Public Television writer, producer, and program host. He has been a fixture on Chicago’s PBS station WTTW for 30 years, best known as the host and writer of WTTW’s popular specials about the architecture and history of Chicago and its suburban areas. His work includes more than 25 feature-length “television tours” including Chicago by ‘L’, The Chicago River Tour, and Chicago on Vacation. Geoffrey hosted the WTTW series The Great Chicago Quiz Show and appeared for years on WTTW’s flagship nightly public affairs program Chicago Tonight answering viewers’ questions about Chicago architecture and history in a segment called “Ask Geoffrey.” Nationally he hosted the PBS primetime series 10 that Changed America about the built environment across the country. He also hosted and co-wrote the PBS primetime special Weekend in Havana.

Geoffrey has been a docent for the Chicago Architecture Center since 1987. In addition to his Emmy Awards, he has been honored by the American Institute of Architects Chicago, the Society of Architectural Historians, the American Society of Landscape Architects, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and the Chicago Headline Club.

He holds a B.A. in Radio/TV/Film from Miami University, Ohio, and a M.A. in Theatre from Northwestern University.

Reserve early. Reservations close Tuesday, January 6, 2026 @ 5 pm

The Speaker Luncheon Price per Ticket is as follows:

$55 for Members**

$65 for Non-Members**

$650 - Purchase of One Table (Seating for 10 People)**

(In order to help First Friday cover increasing expenses, a processing fee will be added to the price of your ticket(s) at checkout. Thank you)

**If you wish to purchase a Membership (starting at $75), please click HERE.

When checking out, you will be asked the following (required) questions:

• Any dietary requirements
• A group or person you wish to sit with (all attendees are assigned a seat)
• A request for a hearing assistance kit

For additional information please call (312.466.9610), email ffcc@firstfridayclubchicago.org or visit our website at www.firstfridayclubchicago.org

Thank You!

LUNCHEON LOCATION:

This luncheon will be held at The Union League Club - Presidents Hall on the 2nd floor at 65 West Jackson Blvd (1/2 block east of Clark). Upon entering the ULC, coat check is mandatory on the first floor (no charge) and you will be directed to the check-in location.

THE UNION LEAGUE CLUB DRESS CODE:

The Union League Club Dress Code is Smart Casual, a relaxed, well-dressed look which may include jeans with no visible rips or tears, denim, and collared shirts. Athletic wear, tennis shoes, t-shirts or hats are not permitted.

PARKING AT THE UNION LEAGUE CLUB:

Valet Parking is available at Union League's Federal Street Entrance (Union League Club's parking fee will apply; no discount to attendees).

Discounted parking as low as $15 for All First Friday Club Attendees is available through the iParkit Phone App in the South Loop Self Park, 318 S. Federal St, Chicago (self parking in the garage on the northwest corner of Federal and Van Buren). For information on this special offer, click the following link: IPARKIT OPTION

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION:

The Club is just two blocks from the LaSalle Street Metra Station, six blocks from Union Metra Station and only blocks from every EL Station