Today Dan Hayman, member of the Social Studies department at North High School, escorted our guests to Chicago. The afternoon started with a quick stop to Mr. Hayman's home to view his private library that contains many original educational works including original Russian works in his collection.

Then on to the city for lunch at the Clift Dwellers, a private club for the arts and literature located on the top of the Borg-Warner Building along the lakefront of the city. Besides the wonderful cuisine the view of lake Michigan and the famous "Gold Coast" of our city.

Next stop was the Art Institute of Chicago with its vast collection. In a quick tour of two and half-hours, many galleries were visited. The highlight for Armine Hovhannisyn was the Rodin Bronzes. Ruben Grigoryan was overwhelmed by the Italian Renaissance collection because of its similarities to Armenian works and motifs. Ruben would like to spend a whole day wandering through the galleries, if time permits! The display that had the most conversation was the avant garde Computerized Video Art. Truly interactive experience. 

Then on to the Field Museum of Natural History for the "Friends of the Field Museum Library" meeting. On the schedule was a presentation of Archemidies Palimpsest. This manuscript has been written over and now is being restored to the original works of Archimedes. Like other works of art and literature during the Middle Ages, overpaintings and over writings were prevalent. The meeting included a presentation in the gallery of the museum with those involved with the restoration. Then those who attended could personally view the original works on display prior to the public opening of the gallery.

There were many interesting people who attended. Ruben was able to discuss this work with Professor Noel Swerdlow of the University of Chicago. Another of the presenter was Abigail Quandt, who had worked on the Armenian Manuscript of Matenadaran 

After the presentations, there was buffet reception provided by the "Friends of the Field" were conversations with others in attendance where interested in meeting our guests.

What a packed afternoon, when they returned to Ms Merilos' home in Downers Grove, it was well past 9:00p and time to ready for a full day of observations in classrooms at Downers Grove North High School.