In January 2025, North House Folk School launched a new series of gatherings called First Fridays. It’s a program that welcomes everyone to campus on the first Friday evening of each month through May. Whether it’s a contra dance, a game night, or roasting s’mores over the fire, each event has offered the chance to come together as a community for a night of free, all-ages fun. 

This April, First Fridays continues with a presentation by Cook County resident and arctic explorer Lonnie Dupre. Dupre has long dreamed of going north in his own ship: to start from his hometown and supply his own journey, as explorers did a century ago. This spring, that dream will become reality as he sets sail from the Grand Marais harbor on Nord Hus, bound for Greenland. 

In the presentation Greenland: Where Ice is Born, Dupre will discuss his past and future Greenland expeditions, including the rapid effects of climate change on Greenland’s landscape and on the Polar Inuit people who call Greenland home.

“It’s been wonderful to welcome so many friends and neighbors to campus this season, and we’re looking forward to continuing this program through the spring,” said North House Program Manager Samantha McCauley.

Dupre’s presentation will be held at 6:30pm on Friday, April 4 in the Blue Building, with a Q&A to follow. Before the presentation, everyone is invited to Dinner on a Stick, a community-style cookout starting at 5:30pm. North House will provide pointy sticks and s’mores fixings, and those attending are welcome to bring whatever food they want to roast over the fire.