Abraham Lincoln and Benito Juárez

Last time we mentioned that Mr. and Mrs. Lincoln would be greeting guests at the Chicago History Museum's member night. The presidential couple were quite sociable and pleasant during the event while members enjoyed a special preview of two new exhibits: "Abraham Lincoln Transformed" and "Benito Juárez and the Making of Modern Mexico."

While the Lincoln exhibit was an interesting continuation of their previous exhibit, learning about Juárez was more of an eye-opener. Juárez and Lincoln were both leaders of their countries at similar times in history. Yet being of the "land of Lincoln," we in Illinois know little of Juárez's life.

Kate's first book "Ruth by Lake and Prairie" tells the story of the settling of Naperville, Illinois. Joseph Naper, the founder, served in the Mexican - American War as a quarter master at the same time Juárez was fighting for leadership of his country. Too often we see history from only "our" side, whatever side that may be. It's always enlightening to get a more global view of world history.

If you are in Chicago, both exhibits are worth seeing and are available until April. For more information, see the Chicago History Museum website at www.ChicagoHistory.org.

Couldn't Happen to a Nicer Historian!

When Kate was writing her first book on local history, she contacted long-time DuPage County historian Leone Schmidt for direction. Leone has written six books, the latest of which was released for Warrenville's 175th anniversary last year.

A curator of the Warrenville Historical Museum and officially named Warrenville's historian in 1977, Leone knows more about DuPage Country than nearly anyone.She was very gracious in looking through her notes when newcomer Kate had questions about DuPage in the 1830's.

Just a couple of weeks ago Leone received the Lifetime Professional Achievement Award from the Illinois Association of Museums. It certainly was an apt award for a truly deserving individual.

Congratulations, Leone!

Where History Is Happening

Links to some upcoming events:

Naper Settlement Time Capsule

November through December

On October 26 Mayor Pradel opened a time capsule that was hidden away in 1939, the anniversary of the creation of DuPage County. The contents are on display until the end of the year

Victorian Christmas at Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum

November 28 - December 23, 2009

Tours of the decorated Cottage will take place at 1, 2 and 3 pm. Holiday music and other events will also take place each weekend.

Depot Museum of Batavia Historical Society

Until Thanksgiving

Mary Todd Lincoln's bedroom furniture from her stay at Bellevue Place Sanitarium are on display in Batavia until Thanksgiving when the museum closes for the season.

Boone County Historical Museum

Free through 2009

Don't forget that the museum's many exhibits are free for your perusal for the remainder of the year.

A Lovely Afternoon on the Scary Prairie

The author event at Centuries and Sleuths Bookstore in Forest Park was great fun on Sunday! Kate paired up with Norm Cowie for a Scary Prairie afternoon for young people.

Norm's latest book is "Fang Face" about a girl vampire who grouses "as if being a teenager doesn't suck enough!" To celebrate his book launch, Norm wore a cape and fangs and supplied a punchbowl of "blood" for visitors, providing the "Scary" part of the event.

Kate donned her pioneer woman's costume one more time to illustrate the "Prairie" part, adding orange and black cookies to the refreshment table.

While the previous week's weather was suitably gloomy for a Halloween party, Sunday was gloriously sunny and hardly fitting for scary prairie book readings. In fact Kate and Norm couldn't resist standing outside in the sunshine to talk with book fans. And we thought vampires couldn't stand daylight!

Many, many thanks to Augie Aleksy and the rest of the Centuries and Sleuth's staff for a great afternoon! If you are interested in history or mystery, this shop is a must-visit destination. The cozy decor, grinning gargoyles and Sherlock Holmes pipes are the perfect accompaniment to shelves of awesome books. Find out more at their website www.CenturiesAndSleuths.com.

An Evening with President and Mrs. Lincoln

Tonight President and Mrs. Lincoln will be welcoming Chicago History Museum members to a special viewing of a new exhibit called "Abraham Lincoln Transformed." At least, that's what the invitation said!

One of several Lincoln exhibits during this bicentennial year, "Abraham Lincoln Transformed" illustrates how Lincoln changed his mind about slavery from the moderate viewpoint of his early legal career to issuing the Emancipation Proclamation.

As a Chicago History Museum member, Kate is looking forward to rubbing elbows with President Lincoln!

Learn more about "Abraham Lincoln Transformed" at www.ChicagoHistory.org.