Chicago, Illinois • October 30 – November 1, 2026
Bessie's 85th Birthday Trip
Welcome to the official Family Travel Portal for Bessie's 85th Birthday Celebration.
This website serves as our central hub for trip updates, transportation information, lodging details, itinerary planning, and important family announcements...
...as we prepare for our journey to Chicago and
the Obama Presidential Center, Library, and Museum
A Message to our Family
Please don't count yourself out before giving yourself a chance to plan.
There is still plenty of time before the trip, and small steps taken over time can make a big difference.
If you would like to be there to honor Mom/Grannie, stay involved in the planning process and don't be afraid to ask questions.
We want everyone who wants to celebrate with us to have the opportunity to participate.
You will be missed if you're not there.
Financial "sponsors" may be do-able
Trip Overview
Dates & Location
Chicago, Illinois
October 30 – November 1st, 2026
🏛️ Obama Presidential Center
Celebrate Bessie's 85th Birthday with family and friends.
This hub is designed to be a simple, respectful resource for family members of all ages to stay connected and informed.
Recent Trip Updates &
Status Dashboard
The Latest Summary for July
Last updated: July 18, 2026
- ✅ 10 Entry Admission tickets have been secured, 4 pre-purchased tickets are left
- 🏨 Lodging at our hotel is officially confirmed and reserved. 4 bed spaces are left
- 🚐 We have determined that our Local Ground Transportation while in Chicago will be the following:
- Rent a 12-passenger Van (family member driver(s)
- Utilize Lyft Concierge Service (press the 'Transportation' button below, for details)
- Our Group Round-trip Flight Reservation is confirmed for 10 travelers on Frontier Airlines to-and-from Chicago.
- 💛 Of the 6 restaurants evaluated for Bessie's Bday celebration dinner, Jordyn's Soul Cafe in the Hyde Park area ranks the highest based on menu, hours of operation, size, etc conducive to it fitting with the hours after our attendance at the Obama Presidential Center. (OPC)
Please press the buttons below for the latest status of each individual activity.
Hey Family Group...
👥 Bringing a Guest?
Family members are welcome to invite guests to JOIN the Family Group.
If your guest is listed on the 'Friends & Guests' Webpage, (in the GUEST status table)
then, they may be included in Family Group planning, transportation, lodging, tickets, dinner,
and other trip activities, as space is available.
Guests who ARE NOT listed in that table
are assumed to be making their own arrangements and....
WILL NOT be included in Family Group Trip Planning, booking, and resources.
Countdown to Chicago
101
Days Until Departure
Contact Us
Any Planning & Support Volunteers?
Fundraiser/Sponsors?
Photographs to add to the Website gallery?
Any Ideas?
Any Suggestions?
It's all hands on deck!
Renee Walker
Web Master
Obama Presidential Center Rep & Lodging
Phone: 404-405-0067 (Call or text)
Email: reneewalker8338@gmail.com
Will Hill?-
Oldest Grandchild
Communications -
"The Cousins" Group chat
'Gorgeous Lady' Cousins Team
Girl Cousins Group Chat -Communications
Birthday Dinner Reservations & Coordination
Transportation
William Hill
Phone: 770-478-9674 (Call or text)
Email: williamhill557@gmail.com
Jeron Walker?
Public Relations Team - Overseer photographer/videographer/blogger, and Website photo gallery updates