Statue of woman in garden

Talk: "Inside Allerton"

Who was Robert Allerton, the creator of the English-style country house, grounds, and sculpture park in central Illinois? Author Maureen Holtz will share insights about the life and estates of Robert Allerton, called “Chicago’s Richest Bachelor” by the Chicago Tribune in 1906. Allerton’s Monticello, Illinois estate is listed as one of the state’s Seven Wonders, and his Kauai, Hawaii estate, Lawai-Kai, is now a botanical garden—both are must-see locations.

About the Speaker

Maureen Holtz’s publishing credits include three non-fiction books and a novel. Two of them revolve around Illinois philanthropist Robert Allerton. The 2009 biography, Robert Allerton: The Private Man & The Public Gifts, was co-authored with Martha Burgin. Her 2011 follow-up coffee-table book is Allerton’s Paradises. These were followed in 2013 by her book of archival photographs: Images of America: Monticello. Her novel about a unique medical tourism concept, The Last Resort, was published in August 2014.

Third Thursday / Knowledge at Work

The program is part of the Third Thursday Series and is held in conjunction with the Spurlock Museum’s temporary exhibit Knowledge at Work: The University of Illinois at 150. This exhibit explores the history of campus as a community of educators, researchers, and students engaged in learning, research, and public service. Learn about the contributions of a wide variety of people and groups to campus history and ways the University has changed how it relates to the people it serves. The exhibit runs through December 21, 2018. 

"Girl With a Scarf" sculpture at Allerton Park and Retreat Center courtesy of University of Illinois Public Affairs. Portrait of Maureen Holtz: photographer Mike Holtz; courtesy of Maureen Holtz.

Portrait of Maureen Holtz
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Contact

For further information on this event, contact Beth Watkins at or (217) 265-5485

All participants are welcome. To request disability-related accommodations for this event, please contact Brian Cudiamat at or (217) 244-5586.