Founded in 1887, the Newberry Library is one of Chicago’s most historic cultural institutions. Named after businessman and philanthropist Walter Loomis Newberry, the humanities research library is free and open to the public. Their collections, programs, and exhibitions are a portal to more than six centuries of human history, from the fifteenth century to the present. Special subjects include American History; American Indian and Indigenous Studies; Medieval, Renaissance, and Early Modern Studies; geneology studies; the history of book design and production; and it is home to one of the largest public collections of postcards in the United States. The library also hosts frequent events including classes, discussions, readings, and performances.