"Through reading Twenty Years at Hull House by Jane Addams, our class got insight into what life was like in Chicago and for immigrants in the 1900’s. I think we all found great inspiration from Ms. Addams. She was a woman who came from a privileged life yet was able to not only empathize but also change the lives of impoverished and immigrant communities in Chicago through her settlement. Jane and other women paved the way for philanthropy beyond donations.
We had the honor of visiting Hull House as a class. One the drive home, the class discussed how it was one thing to read about Ms. Addams and her triumphs, but it was another feeling entirely to stand where she did. The mailboxes that residents used were right in the doorway as visitors enter, and there were messages that visitors could write. One wrote “If the ghost of Jane Addams is here, thank you. I am an immigrant studying in the United States. I miss you. I love you.” This was one of the most profound moments for me during my visit to Hull House. From this note, I saw the long lasting message and impact that Ms. Addams had left on not only Chicago but the hearts and minds of people around the world.
While walking through the rooms of Hull House, one can see how many different aspects of life Jane and her colleagues were able to touch. They took on education through their library and classes. Hull House promoted arts such as theater, music, and writing. Hull House provided vocational training through offering jobs at the settlement as well as the labor museum on site. I read about how these programs truly transformed people. Viola Spolin and Neva Boyd, who are considered leaders in starting improvisational theater, as well as Sadie Dreikurs, the mother of art therapy, were at Hull House. Jane Addams and Hull House truly helped the residents build their lives up or start anew. My favorite room of Hull House was Jane’s. It reminded us of how despite the artifacts in it like the Nobel Peace Prize, the large FBI files on her, and the many letters for her, she was just a normal woman.
To close, I would like to describe a sculpture that I saw and believe captures how many people feel about Ms. Addams. Despite the critics and the authorities of Jane’s time, Louise Bourgeois saw Jane’s positive impact and sculpted “Helping Hands” in her honor. The sculpture shows three hands clasping together to demonstrate Jane’s love and generosity. It was the first major work of art in Chicago to honor a woman, and it is well deserved."
Hailey K. - Homer Glen, IL - Sophomore Global Service major and Philanthropic Leadership & Service minor
