Wright In Kankakee

Wright in Kankakee welcomes its new executive director, Bill Buck!

PRESS RELEASE:

Wright in Kankakee is pleased to announced the naming of its new executive director, Bill Buck, of Bourbonnais. Buck has been a volunteer docent and member of the Special Events Committee for the last two years.

“I would like to thank the Board for allowing me the opportunity to further serve The B. Harley Bradley House,” Buck said in a statement. “I have enjoyed my time as a docent and I look forward to the months ahead.”

Buck brings to the role decades of experience in the banking industry. He will work directly with Wright in Kankakee staff and board members on projects such as the Raise the Roof campaign, events and fundraisers, and general upkeep and maintenance of the historical B. Harley Bradley House, located at 701 S. Harrison Avenue in Kankakee.

Buck shares that he has long held an interest of and passion for the house.

“When I lived in the Riverview area, I commuted daily to my job at a bank in downtown Kankakee and passed the house almost every day,” said Buck. “Over time, I witnessed its many transitions—from its days as The Yesteryear, through a period of decline, to Steve Small’s effort to operate it as a bed and breakfast, then its use as an attorney’s office, and ultimately to the remarkable restoration by the Gaines and Sharon Hall.

“Having seen that full evolution, I view the home not only as a vital asset to the local community but as a national treasure. As one of the earliest Prairie-style designs by Frank Lloyd Wright, it holds an important place in architectural history. I look forward to helping expand awareness and appreciation of this extraordinary home and its significance.”

With Wright in Kankakee in its 16th year, Buck follows the tenure of architect Bob Bohlmann, who is helping onboard Buck during the transition.

Wright in Kankakee’s Board of Directors extends its sincere gratitude to Bohlmann, and looks forward to working with Buck in his new capacity.

For more information on the B. Harley Bradley House and Wright in Kankakee, visit wright1900.org.

Thank you Mike Block Music for gracing us with your beautiful music at the Bradley House last week!

We hope those in attendance loved having the Bradley House full of notes & melodies as much as we did 🎶 With great acoustics, we couldn't have asked for a better evening.

We thank Mike for sharing his talent and highlighting Frank Lloyd Wright's historic work throughout his tour.

On this day 15 years ago!

Two events are happening at the Bradley House this week and somehow we manage to still have tickets left 🎟️ 😁🎟️

Grab your ticket and one for a friend before they are gone!!!

🌱 Paint & Plant TOMORROW
Wednesday, May 27, 2026

🎻 Mike Block: Frank Lloyd Wright Concert Tour - B. Harley Bradley House
Thursday, May 28, 2026

Reserve your ticket online or call us at 815-936-9630 📞

We are grateful for all the time & dedication these students have provided to the Bradley House. Thank you!

Come see the product of their hard work and our clean house that they helped dust, swiffer, vacuum - you name it and they have probably touched the surface, to help prepare it for you!

Check out our upcoming events to see for yourself!

▪️Wednesday, May 27 Paint & Plant
▪️Thursday, May 28 Mike Block Music

🎟️🎫🎟️🎫🎟️🎫🎟️🎫🎟️🎫🎟️🎫🎟️🎫 https://wright1900.org/events/

It's been almost a month and we're still thinking about the beauty of the Ikebana Society Floral Art Show! Check out these gorgeous arrangements featured at the event.

FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT CONCERT TOUR

We welcome Mike Block Music once again to the B. Harley Bradley House. Join us in Kankakee as Mike Block travels throughout the Midwest for a fun & fulfilling experience! 🎻

Mike Block is a pioneering multi-style cellist, singer, composer, and educator; acclaimed by the The New York Times for his "vital rich-hued solo playing". Since 2005, Mike has been a member of the Silkroad Ensemble, founded by Yo-Yo Ma, with which he has been featured as a cellist and vocal soloist, contributed arrangements and compositions, and earned a 2017 Grammy Award for Best Global Music Album.

Mike Block: Frank Lloyd Wright Concert Tour - B. Harley Bradley House
$60 ticket/ per person
May 28
6:30-8:00PM

Check out our May calendar at Frank Lloyd Wright's B. Harley Bradley House!

▪️Paint & Plant, May 27
▪️Mike Block: Frank Lloyd Wright Concert Tour - B. Harley Bradley House, May 28

Don't miss your opportunity to participate in our Raise the Roof campaign as your donation will double through June 8th! Learn more about our 2026 Preservation Project on our website.

Make sure to grab your tickets on our website before they sell out!

www.wright1900.org

Paint & Plant!
May 27 @ 3:30 PM

Come be surrounded by beautiful architecture while you and your friends let your creative juices flow!
Join us while we paint terracotta planters and learn about local plant life from an experienced gardener. This event will be held outdoors, weather permitting. In the event of rain, we will move inside. You will take home your planter with soil & a new plant to brighten your home 🌱

B. Harley Bradley House
701 S. Harrison
Kankakee, IL 60901
United States

Reserve your spot today!
🎟️ 🎟️🎟️🎟️🎟️🎟️🎟️🎟️🎟️🎟️🎟️🎟️🎟️ https://wright1900.org/event/paint-plant/?mc_cid=da8fb0c0fd&mc_eid=UNIQID