A Storied Neighborhood: a Self-Guided Audio Tour With Bill Ayers

Bill Ayers’ self-guided audio tour, "A Storied Neighborhood," offers an immersive exploration of Chicago’s rich history. Accessible via smartphone, this captivating experience guides participants through the city’s landmarks, blending personal anecdotes with fascinating historical accounts. Though the tour isn’t wheelchair-friendly and may challenge older travelers, it provides lifetime access to its compelling content. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, this tour promises to uncover the untold stories that have shaped one of America’s most iconic urban landscapes.

Key Points

• This self-guided audio tour features Bill Ayers and explores the history and stories of a Chicago neighborhood.
• The tour is accessible through the VoiceMap app and can be experienced at the user’s own pace.
• The tour starts at the University of Chicago Laboratory Schools and ends at the 1101 East Hyde Park Boulevard Apartments.
• The tour is not wheelchair accessible but is located near public transportation.
• The tour is priced at $5.40 per person and has an overall rating of 3.5 out of 5 based on 2 reviews.

Tour Overview

The self-guided audio tour, titled "A Storied Neighborhood: A Self-Guided Audio Tour with Bill Ayers," takes visitors on an exploration of Chicago’s rich history and culture.

Located in the USA, the tour is open from July 22, 2020, to December 23, 2025. Participants will need a smartphone and headphones to access the tour, which provides lifetime access to the audio content in English through the VoiceMap app.

The tour starts at the University of Chicago Laboratory Schools and ends at the 1101 East Hyde Park Boulevard Apartments.

While tickets to museums and transportation aren’t included, the tour offers an immersive and personalized experience guided by Bill Ayers.

Inclusions and Requirements

Lifetime access to the tour in English, along with the VoiceMap app for Android and iOS, provides participants offline access to audio, maps, and geodata.

Travelers will need to bring their own smartphone and headphones to fully experience the tour. While museum tickets, transportation, food, and drink aren’t included, the self-guided nature of the tour allows for flexibility in planning.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible but is located near public transportation. Infants must sit on laps, and most travelers can participate.

This is a private tour, with only your group taking part.

Meeting Information

Participants meet at the University of Chicago Laboratory Schools, located at 1362 E 59th St, Chicago, IL 60637.

Detailed starting point instructions are available after downloading the VoiceMap app.

From there, the self-guided tour will take participants through the historic neighborhood, with Bill Ayers sharing his personal stories and insights.

The tour’s duration is open-ended, allowing visitors to explore at their own pace.

While the tour itself isn’t wheelchair accessible, it’s located near public transportation, making it accessible to most travelers.

Infants must sit on laps during the tour.

Accessibility and Participation

Navigating the self-guided audio tour with Bill Ayers isn’t wheelchair accessible, though it’s located near public transportation, making it accessible to most travelers.

Infants must sit on laps during the tour. The tour is suitable for most participants, with no special requirements.

However, the distance and pacing of the tour may be challenging for older travelers, as highlighted in some negative reviews.

Pricing and Reviews

The tour’s pricing offers a range of affordability, with tickets starting from $5.40 per person on a non-refundable basis.

Reviews for the experience have been mixed, with an overall rating of 3.5 out of 5 based on 2 reviews.

The review highlights include:

1. Positive: The tour’s personal stories enhanced the overall experience.
2. Negative: Some concerns were raised about the trip’s distance and pacing, especially for older travelers.
3. Negative: There were worries that the tour may not be suitable for all participants, such as those with mobility issues.

Exploring Chicago’s Storied Past

Through the self-guided audio tour with Bill Ayers, visitors embark on a captivating journey into Chicago’s storied past.

As they stroll through the neighborhood, Ayers’ voice brings to life the area’s rich history – from its vibrant community roots to its role in pivotal social movements.

Listeners gain a deeper understanding of the people and events that have shaped this dynamic part of the city.

The tour’s personal narratives and vivid descriptions transport participants, fostering a sense of connection to the locale’s evolving story.

Whether a longtime resident or first-time visitor, this self-guided exploration offers a unique opportunity to uncover the fascinating past that has helped define Chicago’s character.

Discovering Ayers’ Personal Connections

As listeners embark on the self-guided tour, they’ll discover Bill Ayers’ deep personal connections to the neighborhood.

The tour highlights:

1. Ayers’ childhood home, where he grew up and developed his passion for social justice.
2. The University of Chicago Laboratory Schools, where Ayers attended and later taught, shaping generations of students.
3. Ayers’ current residence, the 1101 East Hyde Park Boulevard Apartments, which serves as the tour’s end point, allowing participants to better understand Ayers’ lifelong ties to the area.

These personal touchpoints bring the neighborhood’s history to life, as listeners gain insight into Ayers’ influential role within the community.

Things To Known

Is the Audio Tour Narrated Live or Pre-Recorded?

The audio tour is pre-recorded, not narrated live. Travelers use the VoiceMap app to access the tour’s pre-recorded commentary as they explore the neighborhood at their own pace.

Can I Download the Audio Tour Content Beforehand?

Yes, the audio tour content can be downloaded beforehand. The tour provides offline access to the audio, maps, and geodata through the VoiceMap app, allowing users to access the tour without relying on an internet connection during the experience.

Is the Tour Suitable for Children or Families?

The tour is suitable for families, as it allows children to sit on laps. However, some older travelers may find the pacing and distance challenging. It’s best to check with the provider for specific details on accessibility and suitability.

Can I Take Photos or Videos During the Tour?

Yes, visitors can take photos and videos during the tour. The self-guided nature of the experience allows participants to explore the neighborhood at their own pace and capture memorable moments along the way.

Are There Any Discounts or Group Rates Available?

The tour doesn’t offer any discounts or group rates. The price is a flat $5.40 per person, regardless of group size. There’s no refund policy, so it’s a non-refundable fee.

Sum Up

"A Storied Neighborhood" offers an immersive audio tour that brings Chicago’s rich history to life through Bill Ayers’ personal lens. While not wheelchair-accessible and potentially challenging for some travelers, the tour provides lifetime access to captivating content, inviting participants to explore the city’s past and uncover Ayers’ own connections to the neighborhood. This self-guided experience is a must for history enthusiasts seeking a unique perspective on Chicago’s storied past.