Lecture, Robert Allerton: The Private Man and the Public Gifts. Heir to a Prairie Avenue fortune, this reclusive man dedicated his life to philanthropy in the arts by helping to transform the Art Institute of Chicago and the National Tropical Botanical Gardens of Kauai into cultural treasures, and donating his downstate prairie mansion and gardens (Allerton Park and Retreat Center) to the University of Illinois. The co-authors of the 2009 biography share their process of discovery and offer an intimate view of the mysterious benefactor. Copies of the book will be available for purchase and signing. $15 per person/$10 for museum members R.S.V.P. to 312-326-1480 by November 11.