Where History Is Happening

Links to some upcoming events:

Civil War Symposium

Saturday,
January 23, 2010
10:00 am to 3:00 pm

Midway Village Museum in Rockford hosts an entire day of exploring a variety of topics of America's Civil War period with local historians. Advance registration is required. Cost for the symposium includes lunch. $25.00 per person ($15.00 for members and students). You must make reservations by Wednesday, January 20. See their web site for the list of topics.

Daniel Burnham's Plan of Chicago

Until January 18

Chicago is still celebrating Burnham's 1909 Plan of Chicago and the Art Institute will be closing their exhibit of maps and drawings next month. Daniel "Make No Little Plans" Burnham was also the architect for the 1893 World's Fair portrayed in Erik Larson's book Devil in the White City.
An online version of the exhibition can be viewed at the Art Institute's web site.

C.D. Arnold's Photographs of 1893 Colombian Exhbition

Until Sunday, February, 28, 2010

The Art Institute features highlights from the Ryerson Library's archive of large platinum prints made by the official photographer of the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition also known as the Chicago World's Fair. Nearly half the population of the United States came to the city during its six-month run. Arnold's photographic project, begun two years earlier and completed in 1894, traces the fair's development, particularly the architectural concept put in place by Daniel H. Burnham, who is best known for his 1909 Plan of Chicago.

Lincoln's Bicentennial Winding Down

Abraham Lincoln was born February 9, 1809, and the state of Illinois has been celebrating all year. Lincoln has always generated a lot of interest and will continue to do so, but the festivities for this his bicentennial year have been extra special. Before the birthday candles are completely blown out, here are a few celebrations you may have missed.

• Get Lincolnized! at the Chicago History Museum web site. Upload a photo of your face and they'll slap a beard and stovepipe hat on it so you'll look just like the President's twin. Silly, but fun. According to The Lincoln Log, Abraham started his political service today as he took his seat as one of 55 members of the Illinois House of Representatives in Vandalia. You can check what he was doing any day of year on this web site.

• President and Mrs. Lincoln have been seen all over Illinois. Kate's chatted with them herself at least twice at different venues. Max and Donna Daniels have been perfecting their reflection of the Lincolns for years, but they have been especially busy during 2009. If you haven't seen them in person, you can order a video of their most popular presentation "An Evening with Mr. and Mrs. Lincoln" at their web site which is creatively named AbeAndThebBabe.com.

Kate's "Six Degrees of Abraham Lincoln" book and presentation has also had a workout this year, but there are still dates available if your church or community group would like to commemorate Lincoln's 200th birthday with a fun and interesting program. Contact Kate for booking information.

Everything You and Your Child or Grandchild Ever Wanted to Know About Christmas Trees

The University of Illinois Extension offers all sorts of interesting facts to know and places to go on their education web site "Christmas Trees and More."

The page was created for use by teachers in the classroom, but children and their families at home will find much to learn and do as well. Web site links include a virtual Christmas tree farm, holiday history and traditions, and the "Nation's Christmas Tree" in General Grant National Park.

Even if you don't have children to educate and entertain you will enjoy browsing the information available. It will provide you with some great cocktail party conversation at your next holiday event!

Check on the Restoration of a Mansion

In 1992, voters agreed to let the DuPage Forest Preserve District purchase the Mayslake Peabody Estate in Oak Brook, Illinois, and take on its operation and restoration.

The Tudor Revival mansion is huge and beautiful, built in 1921 for F.S. Peabody. Unfortunately, Mr. Peabody died soon after its completion and his surviving family decided not to keep the house.

It was sold in 1924 to the Franciscan Province of the Sacred Heart, a Catholic men's religious community. The Franciscans added a spartan two-story retreat building and turned the living room into a beautiful chapel. The mansion served as a religious retreat up until the Forest Preserve acquired it.

After so many years of hard use, Mayslake was overdue for basic maintenance, let alone restoring it to its 1920's glory. Of course the repair bills have been staggering, but progress is being made. It's actually quite fascinating to see the walls stained and peeling in one room and then see what wonderful refurbishment has taken place in the next.

Classes, performances and programs take place at Mayslake all year round, but if you want to take the Restoration in Progress Tour, there are only two tours left this year: Wednesday, December 2 and Wednesday, December 9. Tours will resume again in late January.

Where History Is Happening

Links to some upcoming events:

Nights of Luminaria

Saturday,
December 19

One of the most beautiful and romantic visions of the year. The streets, steps, and sidewalks of Galena are lined with nearly 5,000 candle-lit luminaries that burn from approximately 6 pm to 9 pm. Locations include: Old Train Depot, along the riverbanks, Park Avenue, Grant Park, Bouthillier Street, footbridge, Post Office, Old Market House, and steps between Main and Prospect Streets.

Postville Courthouse State Historic Site Christmas Open House

Saturday, December 5
12 pm to 4 pm.

The courthouse at 914 Fifth Street, Lincoln, will be decorated in the style of the mid 1800's and its Christmas tree will feature prairie dolls, wooden decorations and grape vines. Tour guides explain the ornaments and how they were crafted in the 1840's. Period music will fill the historic building and Abraham and Mary Todd Lincoln impersonators will greet visitors as they arrive. Cake and punch will also be served.

Belvidere Hometown Christmas

Friday, December 4
Saturday, December 5

Horse drawn carriage rides, food, crafts, music, storytellers, and a petting zoo. And if that's not enough there's also a parade, a holiday lights display and "Christmas in the Cabins" at the Conservation District. A full calendar of events is at their web site or in the local paper.