A Conversation with Lake Forest Author and Documentary Filmmaker - Susan L. Kelsey

Susan has authored four historical books: Downtown Lake Forest, West Lake Forest, Legendary Locals of Lake Forest and Billy Caldwell (1780-1841) Chicago and the Great Lakes Trail.  Previously, Susan was the Economic Development Officer for the City of Lake Forest for ten years where she worked with commercial property owners to recruit businesses to Lake Forest.  Susan and her family have lived in Lake Forest since 2006.  Prior to moving to Lake Forest, Susan lived in the Sauganash neighborhood on the north side of Chicago.  She was involved in Chicago politics for two decades as the 39th Ward Committeeman and Commissioner of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Chicago.  It was living in Sauganash, the land that Billy Caldwell received in the 1829 Treaty, that sparked the interest in Billy Caldwell and began the research that has lasted over 33 years. Susan is currently President of the Mitchell Museum of the American Indian in Evanston