217-423-7708

Many items were carved out of wood in the 19th century, before mass production. Volunteer Dick Torgerson will be at the Oglesby Mansion to demonstrate the process of carving some of these items. Children might be especially interested in seeing how a piece of wood can be made into something special.

217-423-7708

Try your hand at using a drop-spindle to make yarn and attempt two easy types of knitting without a knitting needle.

217-423-7708

Explore the career of a Union Army chaplain who ministered to Confederate prisoners of war at the infamous Camp Douglas in Chicago, served at army posts in the Old West and became an author. Guest speaker, Decatur resident Jeannie Barnes, is a descendant of Tuttle and has spent several years researching his life. She is also a former staff member of the Macon County Conservation District.

217-423-7708

312.922.1742
312.922.8112 (f)

mail@landmarks.org

Greg Koos, Executive Director of the McLeanCounty Museum of History will reflect on the 1930s New Deal impact on McLean County. His brother, Normal Mayor Chris Koos, will discuss today's challenges in a tight economic situation and the appropriate role of government in the current climate.

This annual dinner honors four-term Democratic President Franklin D. Roosevelt and his wife, Eleanor. Roosevelt led the nation through World War II, and his economic and social policies in response to the Great Depression helped create a safety net for people in need, including the establishment of Social Security and job programs for the unemployed. The 1935 National Labor Relations Act allowed private sector workers a federally-protected right to organize a union and led to the greatest labor upsurge in U.S. history. Eleanor Roosevelt served as the nation's first United Nations Ambassador and was Franklin's 'eyes and ears' during his presidency, moving around the country, noting the human situation, and speaking up for human and civil rights.

Admission is $40.

312.922.1742
312.922.8112 (f)

mail@landmarks.org

309-827-0428

309-827-0100 (f)

312.922.1742
312.922.8112 (f)

mail@landmarks.org

Executive Director Greg Koos will present a lecture on teh history of winemaking and growing in McLean County and Illinois, followed by a tasting of featured wines.

309-827-0428

309-827-0100 (f)

312.922.1742
312.922.8112 (f)

mail@landmarks.org

Visitors embark on a train ride through the country, past a holiday light display. Afterward, children can visit with Santa Claus and his elves at the Toy Workshop; those on Santa's "Good List" will receive a gift.

815.923.4391
815.923.2006 (f)

Celebrate the season with friends, fun and holiday cheer. Bring your family to the Museum to listen to live entertainment; enjoy free cookies, punch and coffee; sit on Santa's lap; try your hand at festive holiday crafts; and write personal letters to servicemen and women at local Veterans' Hospitals.  Craft areas will be set up for children. Canned food will also be collected for the Claire House.

309-827-0428

309-827-0100 (f)

421 Williams Street
Decatur, IL

217.423.7708

Doll lovers of all ages will enjoy this special tea that features a doll program and tours of the Martha Mills doll collection and Lorraine Korenthal dollhouses. This year's program will showcase dolls from around the world and holiday traditions. Dolls are welcome to attend and are part of the program. Traditional tea fare is servied with special menu items for children.

847.255.1225

Make unique Victorian-themed decorations to add a special touch to holiday celebrations.

630.554.2999

info@littlewhiteschoolmuseum.org

Presenter: Ruth and Max Bloomquist

777 Front Street
Lisle, IL

Visitors embark on a train ride through the country, past a holiday light display. Afterward, children can visit with Santa Claus and his elves at the Toy Workshop; those on Santa's "Good List" will receive a gift.

815.923.4391
815.923.2006 (f)

Friday, December 11: 6:30 - 8:00 pm
Saturday, December 12: 12-1:30; 1:30-3 pm
Sunday, December 13: 1-2:30, 3-4:30 pm

The century-old N. M. Banta House celebrates the holidays with a festive Holiday Tea. The tree is trimmed, the halls are decked and the tables are set with silver and lace. The staff serves delicious finger sandwiches and sweets accompanied by steaming pots of tea and a festive punch. To commemorate the 20th anniversary, all participants will receive a special cookbook of Tea recipes.

847.255.1225

Friday, December 11: 6:30 - 8:00 pm
Saturday, December 12: 12-1:30; 1:30-3 pm
Sunday, December 13: 1-2:30, 3-4:30 pm

The century-old N. M. Banta House celebrates the holidays with a festive Holiday Tea. The tree is trimmed, the halls are decked and the tables are set with silver and lace. The staff serves delicious finger sandwiches and sweets accompanied by steaming pots of tea and a festive punch. To commemorate the 20th anniversary, all participants will receive a special cookbook of Tea recipes.

847.255.1225

Presenter: Leroy Mick

777 Front Street
Lisle, IL

Visitors embark on a train ride through the country, past a holiday light display. Afterward, children can visit with Santa Claus and his elves at the Toy Workshop; those on Santa's "Good List" will receive a gift.

815.923.4391
815.923.2006 (f)

Two days of exciting activities including the Lisle Polar Express, which is celebrating its 10th year of continuous service. Trains will leave the Lisle Metra Station at 9:45 am and 1:45 pm on Sunday and travel to Chicago and back non-stop. Entertainment is provided by five Santas, a variety of fairy tale characters, lots of singing, and a reading of The Polar Express.

630.963.4417

nfilipiak@aol.com

A shipboard Victorian Dinner and Dance aboard the Riverboat War Eagle

815.777.9129

815.777.9131

Walking and trolley tours of the town, mine site, and cemetery. Videos on labor topics are scheduled, along with displays and genealogical workshops. A new monument will be dedicated at Cherry's Village Hall. At 11:45 am Sunday, there will be a march from the Cherry Grade School to the mine, in keeping with a long-standing tradition.

309-827-3934

217-423-7708

Retired geologist and author Philip Reed will discuss the discovery and importance of water springs in early Illinois history. Drinking water and its location, quality, and quantity affected the growth of our state as it played a role in where the early pioneers settled.

217-423-7708

217-423-7708

217-423-7708

Beer, wine, and light hors d'oeuvres will be served while participants play 19th century tavern games.

Lincoln Funeral Train Marker to be Dedicated

Calument City is celebrating Abraham Lincoln's Bicentennial with the dedication of an ISHS historical marker where Lincoln's Funeral Train passed through the city.

In addition to costumes, food, museum displays and Lincoln-era entertainment, the event offers appearances by the 9th Indiana Civil War Honor Guard, Battlefield Balladeers, the TFN Band and Chorus, Boy Scout Troop 268, Essay Content Winners, and dignitaries.

The historical marker is sponsored by the Calumet City Historical Society, the Illinois State Historical Society, and the City of Calumet City.

Admission is free, although donations will be gladly accepted.

Corner of State and State Line Streets
Calumet City

Reception:

Calumet City Historical Society

P O Box 1917 Calumet City, IL 60409

708-832-9390

Illinois State Historical Society

P O Box 1800
Springfield, IL 62705-1800

217-525-2781

www.historyillinois.org