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Illinois History CalendarIf your Illinois regional historical society or museum has an upcoming event, exhibit, or program, send notice of it to webmaster@historyillinois.org at least 3 weeks ahead of time. We'll be glad to post your announcement on our website for free. Please follow the format below and be sure to include date, time, location, address, daytime phone number, website, and a contact person.
Ongoing Exhibits:
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| January1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 | February 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 | March 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 |
| May 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 | June 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 | |
| July 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 | August 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 | September 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 |
| October 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 | November 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 | December 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 |
| Date | Time | Event | Location | Sponsor |
| 3 | 2 pm |
Homestead Young'uns: Old Time
Cool Drinks for Hot Days Try some popular drinks of the 1800s and see which ones you like. Learn about history through tasting some drinks fo the era. (All ages welcome!) Free admission |
Homestead
Prairie Farm Stage Macon County Conservation District |
Macon County
Conservation District 3939 Nearing Lane 217-423-7708 www.maconcountyconservation.org
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| 8 | Illinois State Fair begins | |||
| 17 | 2 pm |
The Historic National Road: The
Road That Built The Nation Guest speaker John Goldsmith, Executive Director of the National Road Association of Illinois, will tell the story of this famous road. Stretching over 600 miles from Maryland to Illinois, it took over 30 years to build, but played a major role in the settlement of our nation and Illinois. Free admission |
Auditorium Macon County Conservation District |
Macon County
Conservation District 3939 Nearing Lane 217-423-7708 www.maconcountyconservation.org
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| Date | Time | Event | Location | Sponsor |
| 3 | 7:30 |
The Battle of St. Mihiel: World
War I and Early Tanks Join Major Steve Fixler (Ret) as he speaks on the World War I Battle of St. Mihiel and its use of tanks. St. Mihiel was the first time that the United States Army employed and commanded its own tanks in combat (with George S. Patton in command of a tank brigade). Major Fixler will outline the preparations for St. Mihiel as well as explain the battle and its aftermath. A tanker for his entire 25 years of service, Major Fixler knows all the roles of a tanker , including driver, gunner, commander and company commander. He will also share items from his personal collection such as world War I tanker uniforms. Free parking and admission. Doors open at 6:45 pm. Refreshments and hors d'oeuvres will be served. RSVP recommended (630-260-8227) |
Cantigny
First Division Foundation 1s151 Winfield Road |
Cantigny
First Division Foundation 1s151 Winfield Road 630-260-8227
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| 6-7 | 2 pm |
Prairie Celebration Homestead Prairie Farm and woodworking shop will be open for tours. More details to follow. Free admission |
Homestead
Prairie Farm Macon County Conservation District |
Macon County
Conservation District 3939 Nearing Lane 217-423-7708 www.maconcountyconservation.org
|
| 12 | 6:30 - 11:30 pm |
Ridge Historical Society
Haunted Pub Crawl Private tour of four of Chicago's famous taverns, known for their spirits. The taverns selected will represent different locations in the city, and different aspects of Chicago's history. Admission: $50/members; $60/non-members |
Bus leaves
from Ridge Historical Society 10621 S. Seeley Avenue |
Ridge
Historical Society 10621 South Seeley Avenue 773-881-1675 |
| 13 | 1 pm - 3 pm |
Illinois State Historical
Society Centennial Awards Each year, the ISHS honors corporations and not-for-profit organizations that have provided a century or more of service to Illinois. Nominations for Centennial Awards are always welcome! The 2008 Illinois State Historical Society Centennial Awards Reception will be held at the Governor’s Mansion in Springfield on Saturday afternoon, September 13, 2008. Since 1984 more than 1,100 Illinois corporations have become Centennial honorees, ranging from the Chicago White Sox and the AMEREN-Corporation to the Auburn Citizen newspaper and Yorkville National Bank. |
Governor's
Mansion Springfield |
Illinois
State Historical Society 210 1/2 South Sixth Street, Suite 200, Springfield, IL 62701 217-525-2871 |
| 14 |
Plainfield Township Cemetery
Walk Raindate: September 21 |
Plainfield Historical Society | Plainfield
Historical Society 23836 West Main Street 815.436.6466 |
|
| 18 | 7:30 - 9 pm |
Gone Before: Mourning in
Victorian America Learn about the customs surrounding death and dying during the Victorian era when Dennis Buck, curator of the Aurora Historical Society's collections, presents artifacts and graphics from the Society's collections to illustrate elaborate Victorian funeral customs. Admission: $5 for residents of Oswegoland Park
District |
Little While
School Museum 72 Polk Street
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Oswegoland
Heritage Association 72 Polk Street 630-554-2999 |
| 21 | 2 pm |
The 1864 Charleston Riot Join author and historian Peter Barry as he tells the true story of a gunfight in Charleston, Illinois, between Union troops and Southern sympathizers known as “Copperheads”. Learn how this Civil War event left nine people dead and what part Abraham Lincoln played in the aftermath. There will be a book signing after the program Free admission |
Auditorium Macon County Conservation District |
Macon County
Conservation District 3939 Nearing Lane 217-423-7708 www.maconcountyconservation.org
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| Date | Time | Event | Location | Sponsor |
| 2 | 7 - 9 pm |
Oswego Cemetery Walk Groups of 8-10 people will be guided through the cemetery to speak with the 'ghosts' of some of Oswego's most historic residents throughout the evening. Free Admission |
Oswego
Township Cemetery South Main Street
|
Oswegoland
Heritage Association and Oswego Public Library District
72 Polk Street 630-554-2999 |
| 4 | 12:30 - 3:30 pm |
Scrapbooking Oswego History Come help celebrate the 175th Anniversary of the Village of Oswego by making a commemorative 12" x 12" scrapbook using professional scrapbooking cardstock, stamps, and paper punches. Participants will also receive a free sheet protector. Presenter is Julie Piesciuk, an independent scrapbook demonstrator. Participants can arrive and complete their projects (allow 20 minutes per project) any time between 12:30 and 3:30 pm. Admission: $5 (advance); $8 (door) Early Registration Recommended (space is limited) |
Little While
School Museum 72 Polk Street
|
Oswegoland
Heritage Association 72 Polk Street 630-554-2999 |
| 5 | 12-4 (last tour starts at 3:15) |
Sangamon County Historical Society
12th Annual ‘Echoes of Yesteryear’ cemetery
walk through Oak Ridge Cemetery
This year the walk is commemorating the 100th anniversaries of both the Abraham Lincoln Association (originally named the Lincoln Centennial Commission) and the 1908 race riots in Springfield with four individuals representing each. The 'Historama' area will again feature exhibits by historical associations, the popular Prairieland Dulcimers will be providing a musical backgrounds; a wonderful concession will offer popcorn, cookies and cider; Society book sales and the Springfield International Folk Dancers. Price/admission – Free, but donation requested A trolley will be available to take visitors from their cars to the start and back. |
Oak Ridge Cemetery, 1440 Monument Ave., Springfield, IL 62702 | Sangamon
County Historical Society 308 East Adams Street 217-522-2500 |
| 6-10 | 4:30 - 5:30 pm |
Travel Illinois (Monday, Wednesday, Friday) Sharpen your map reading skills while learning to improve budgeting time and money by planning a creative road trip through the Land of Lincoln. Skills learned will allow participants to plan an actual Illinois Road Trip within their budgets. Admission: $9(residents of Oswegoland Park District)/$14 (non-residents) |
Little While
School Museum 72 Polk Street
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Oswegoland
Heritage Association 72 Polk Street 630-554-2999 |
| 10-11 |
ISHS Annual Tour Get ready for a grand adventure this fall as the ISHS explores Bishop Hill, the Swedish utopian community established in 1846 by religious separatists in Henry County. This small town in north central Illinois holds onto its unique Swedish heritage and is one of the most popular and distinctive historic sites in the state. Participants will tour the Bishop Hill colony museum and see the renowned Olof Krans’ paintings, which document the history of this simple agrarian community; dine on Swedish meatballs and noodles at the Red Oaks Inn; tour the colony church and historic hotel; explore the traditional arts and crafts in the village blacksmith shop; and take home delicious pastries from the Bishop Hill Colony Bakery. Other tour sites along the way include: Historic Knoxville, the first county seat of Knox County; the Galesburg Railroad Museum; and Underground Railroad hideaways in and around Galesburg, an abolitionist stronghold in ante-bellum Illinois. Society travelers will also sample wines prepared by local vintners. On day two of the Fall Tour participants will attend the 23rd annual Lincoln Colloquium (see page 34), this year at the Lincoln Studies Center at Knox College and themed “The Lincoln-Douglas Debates,” to coincide with the 150th anniversary of the historic debates. Guest speakers include some of the finest Lincoln scholars in the nation—Garry Wills, Allen C. Guelzo, Rodney Davis, James M. McPherson, and David Zarefsky. The Colloquium fee (and lunch) is included in the tour registration. Registration: $175 ($155/members) |
Galesburg, Illinois | Illinois
State Historical Society 210 1/2 South Sixth Street, Suite 200, Springfield, IL 62701 217-525-2871
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| 11-12 | 12:30 - 3:30 pm |
Awesome Apple Heads Since the Oswego area was settled, apples have been baked, canned, dried, and pressed. Now you can carve your own apple head, complete with eyes, ears, nose, and mouth. This traditional folk art makes a great fall decoration and can be used as a spooky addition to every family's Halloween fun. . Free Admission |
Little While
School Museum 72 Polk Street
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Oswegoland
Heritage Association 72 Polk Street 630-554-2999 |
| 11-12 | Lincoln Colloquium | Lincoln
Studies Center Galesburg |
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| 11-12 |
Lincoln Circuit Ride Join us in celebration of Abraham Lincoln. On the first weekend April 26/27 the Lincoln Circuit Ride will begin as Lincoln did; in Springfield. On the second weekend October 11/12 the Lincoln Circuit Ride will begin in Urbana. Motorcyclists will lead all the conveyances that follow as this is a family event. Over the two weekends, the ride will cover approximately 500 miles and make stops in many of communities where Lincoln learned the words that inspired our nation then and now. Illinois' Old Eighth Judicial Circuit provided the life experiences that made Abraham Lincoln immortal. We will make every attempt to ride the same roads and visit the same court houses as Abe. Bring your children, grandchildren, friends and neighbors. Bring your bike, car, truck or ride the trolley. This collective memorial to Lincoln and the Old Eighth Judicial Circuit which shaped his life began in 1914 with the Alliance Chapter of the DAR in Champaign-Urbana.
Registration: $10 per weekend |
A.B.A.T.E. of
Illinois, Inc. 217/891-6297 |
||
| 20 | 7 - 8:30 pm |
Ridge Historical Society: Generation X Ghosts -- The Newest Hauntings in Chicago Lecture and slide show, followed by refreshments and conversation with Richard Crowe, Chicago's first and most famous full-time ghost-hunter. This program will be the grand premiere of Crowe's newest program, exploring the latest generation of ghosts in Chicago. Admission: $35/members; $45/non-members |
Mt.
Greenwood Cemetery Chapel 2900 W. 11th Street |
Ridge
Historical Society 10621 South Seeley Avenue 773-881-1675 |
| 25 | 7 am - 8 pm |
McLean
County Museum of History Motorcoach Tour Series: " A Day of History" in Chicago Tour the National Vietnam Veterans Art Museum and Chicago History Museum. Lunch (from Wolfgang Puck Catering) will be served at the Chicago History Museum, and the bus will stop for dinner on the way home. The National Vietnam Veterans Art Museum inspires greater understanding of hte real impact of war with a focus on the Vietnam War. The Museum collects, preserves, and exhibits art inspired by combat and created by veterans. Also on display is the "Above & Beyond Memorial," comprised of more than 58,000 dogtags for each of the service men and women who died in the Vietnam War. The Chicago History Museum's permanent exhibit, "Chicago: Crossroads of America," explores Chicago's changing economy, challenging crises, diverse neighborhoods, groundbreaking innovations, and lively cultural scene. Wander through these galleries to discover the legendary stories, from the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 to Riverview Park or the renowned rivalry of the Cubs vs. Sox. Other special exhibits on display are "Catholic Chicago" and "Chic Chicago: Couture Treasures from the Chicago History Museum." Seating is limited to 44 passengers. Cost person: $90 (includes transportation, lunch, and admission to all attractions) Reservation deadline: September 24, 2008 |
Tour departs
from McLean County Museum of History 200 North Main
Street |
McLean
County Museum of History 200 North Main Street 309-827-0428
|
| 25 | 11:30 am and
2:30 pm |
Premier Performance of "Take Your Places, Ladies!" This play will be part of a Centennial Celebration of a Woman's Suffrage Movement Parade in Boone, IA. The original parade was either the first, or maybe the only, such parade in Iowa, and occurred in 1908. The re-enactment of the parade will begin at 11:30 am, the play will begin at 2:30. |
Boone, IA |
Joyce Schulte joyceschulte@iowatelecom.net 641.202.0355 |
| Date | Time | Event | Location | Sponsor |
| 9 | 12:00 - 3:30 pm |
Living History Sunday: Veterans
Day Remembrance The World War II Reenactment Society will bring the history of 1940s to life with period uniforms and artifacts, and possibly a restored vehicle to pay tribute to men and women who served the nation during WW II. A special one-day exhibition of some of the museum's rarest war-related memorabilia will be held in conjunction with the event. Free Admission |
Little While
School Museum 72 Polk Street
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Oswegoland
Heritage Association 72 Polk Street 630-554-2999 |
| 15 | 3 - 4:15 pm |
Mother/Daughter Victorian
Celebration Discover the art of Victorian fun. Mothers and daughters are invited to taken an afternoon to learn a Victorian game, make a Victoriancraft to take home, share tea with refreshments, and have a picture taken to remember this special day. Registration is required. $11 (Oswegoland Park Districtresidents)/$16 (non-residents) |
Little While
School Museum 72 Polk Street
|
Oswegoland
Heritage Association 72 Polk Street 630-554-2999 |
| 20 | 7 pm |
Rescuing an Oswego Landmark:
The Little White School Museum Starting in 1977, a dedicated group of local residents saved the Little White School from demolition and began its restoration as a community museum. See how the restoration project was accomplished and learn some techniques that could be applied to your own restoration projects as museum director Roger Matile outlines the 30-year rescue project in a multi-media presentation. Tours of the building will follow for interested participants. $5 (Oswegoland Park District residents)/$9 (non-residents) |
Little While
School Museum 72 Polk Street
|
Oswegoland
Heritage Association 72 Polk Street 630-554-2999 |
| Date | Time | Event | Location | Sponsor |
| 10 | 7 pm |
Tin Punching for the Entire
Family Pierced tin items not only look great but also have a long history of use in the home. Explore the art of tin punching by creating a 3" x 5" punched tin artwork. Free Admission (pre-registration required) |
Little While
School Museum 72 Polk Street
|
Oswegoland
Heritage Association 72 Polk Street 630-554-2999 |
| 13-14 | 7 pm |
Christmas Fun Make and Take
Craft Activity for Children of all Ages Stop by the museum and make some old-fashioned holiday decorations to take home and share. These Victorian-themed crafts will add a special touch to any holiday celebration. Free Admission (no registration required) |
Little While
School Museum 72 Polk Street
|
Oswegoland
Heritage Association 72 Polk Street 630-554-2999 |
| Date | Time | Event | Location | Sponsor |
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Visitors to this site: Send mail to
tcameron@historyillinois.org
with questions or comments about this web site. |
