As South Sider and tour guide, I can’t wait for the Obama Center

I moved to Chicago and bought a home in Hyde Park/ Kenwood 30 years ago, in order to work at the University of Chicago as its centennial director, organizing events to celebrate the university’s first 100 years. I was dismayed to learn that the maps the city handed to tourists didn’t show the attractions on the South Side — the city’s southern boundary appeared to be Roosevelt Road. And, in trying to organize partnerships with the city’s other cultural institutions, I learned that many of them couldn’t imagine that their visitors would want to travel to the South Side.

Fortunately, those views have begun to shift, thanks in no small part to the election of President Barack Obama. Now, as a Chicago Greeter — a volunteer tour guide who offers visitors opportunities to explore the city — there are frequent requests, especially from foreign tourists, to visit Kenwood so they can see Obama’s house. Our tour may also include the Hyde Park Art Center; I tell them how the Art Center, in partnership with other local cultural organizations, works to promote the South Side as the “Culture Coast.”

We then frequently make our way to the university’s campus, where those who love history, art and architecture or parks and gardens can all find something of interest. When we walk along the Midway over to the Wooded Island in Jackson Park, I talk about Chicago’s long history of using parkland for different purposes: as spaces to appreciate nature, as well as sites for entertainment and culture, as our museums in the park so richly demonstrate.

I can hardly wait to be able to take visitors to the Obama Presidential Center in Jackson Park! In keeping with our tradition of placing museums in parks, visitors will be able to view fascinating exhibits, gather together for events and appreciate beautifully landscaped grounds that will enhance the park.

Kineret Jaffe, Hyde Park/ Kenwood