A Chicago Heiress Made Miniature Murder Scenes and Forensic Science Was Born

Do you think you could solve a murder just by looking at a miniature re-creation of the crime scene? Frances Glessner Lee thought so. The Chicago heiress is known as the “mother of forensic science” for developing the tool that taught law enforcement how to investigate the scenes of unexplained deaths. The historic Glessner House in South Loop, where Lee’s family lived from 1887–1937, now has a life-sized version of one of her miniatures on display, free to view on Fridays and Saturdays through April 14. Producer Simone Alicea visited Glessner House last year and talked with executive director Bill Tyre. This conversation was originally published March 24, 2022. Good News: C2E2 is March 31–April 2! Listen to our episode visiting C2E2 ’s return to McCormick Place in! Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter . Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE