The Ernest Hemingway Foundation of Oak Park will open the Hemingway Boyhood Home at 600 N. Kenilworth to visitors for the last time on Sunday, June 3 from 12-5 p.m. as part of the Oak Park Day in Our Village festivities.
This is a unique opportunity to tour the interior of this century-old home where famous author Ernest Hemingway honed his schoolboy writing skills while attending Holmes Elementary School around the corner and later Oak Park and River Forest High School.
Within a week of the open house the Foundation will turn over the keys to the home to an Oak Park family who will make it their private home.
Although there may be occasional opportunities in the future where the family can invite public visitation, this last chance to stroll through the rooms with Hemingway docents leading the way is very special. Stories about Ernest, his five siblings and parents Grace and Dr. Clarence Hemingway, living an exuberant family life from 1907 until Ernest left in 1919 and Grace left in 1936, will be memorable. This building is an international icon and few changes have been made since Grace Hemingway began planning her dream home in 1906.
Tours will be given on a first-come, first-serve basis. Advance reservations are not required, and donations to the Foundation as compensation will be appreciated.