Hours
Tuesdays–Fridays, 10am–5pm
Sundays, 1–4pm
781 Pearson Street • 847-391-5399 • www.desplaineshistory.org
Children’s Hands-On History
Prairie Pioneers: September 4 and 8, 1:00–3:00pm
The first settlers in Des Plaines faced a difficult challenge: they had to create a new home,
surrounded by wilderness. Come explore the lives of the settlers that helped create Des
Plaines this month at the Des Plaines History Center, and try out some pioneer survival skills!
Digging Up History: October 2 and 6, 1:00–3:00pm
One of the best ways to learn about how people lived in the past
is to explore the things they left behind, buried deep in the earth.
Join us this month as we discover how archaeologists dig up
artifacts, learn how objects can tell us about the past, and uncover
some history with our own dig!
Military Dogs: November 6 and 10, 1:00–3:00pm
Throughout history, dogs have played an important role in the lives of humans, taking on
many different jobs – even serving in the military! We’re exploring the different jobs that
dogs have taken on in the military this month, and hearing the stories of some real-life canine
heroes, like World War I’s Sergeant Stubby.
Día de los Muertos Celebration
Kinder House Tours
Tuesdays–Fridays, 10am–5pm
Sundays, 1–4pm • Free!
Tours start at 781 Pearson
Come step back into the early 20th century!
The History Center’s 1907 house museum
is open for tours. We would love to see you!
The Des Plaines History Center is supported
by the City of Des Plaines, the Des Plaines
Park District, its members, and other local
business and community contributors.
Thank you to the Des Plaines Kiwanis Club
for sponsoring children’s programming at
the History Center.
The Des Plaines History Center
is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
October 26, 11:00am–4:00pm
As part of the annual Halloween Hoopla event, we will celebrate a
wonderful Mexican tradition. All children and their families are
invited to paint sugar skulls to take home! At 10:00am, be sure to
take part in the costume parade around Metropolitan Square.
Coffee Talks
Open to the public. Admission is free; $3 suggested donation.
“Chicago: The First Hollywood” By Annette Bochenek
Thursday, September 12, 1:30–2:30pm
Before the film industry moved West, it was firmly rooted in Chicago.
Some of its key players included Charlie Chaplin, Gloria Swanson,
“Broncho Billy” Anderson, and many more. Join Film Historian
Annette Bochenek for a presentation about the film industry’s early
days in Chicago, as she discusses former silent film studios in Chicago, film stars who worked
in Chicago, and the legacies of these studios and stars today. The program will include a
multimedia presentation consisting of photos, video clips, and captivating stories.
“The Five Sullivan Brothers and the Famous Kissing Sailor Photo” By Hal Burke
Thursday, November 14, 1:30–2:30pm
This presentation is centered around the inspiring World War II
story of the Sullivan family’s patriotism, dedication and gallant
contributions to our nation during WWII. The five Sullivan
Brothers all served on the same ship, which was tragically sunk
on 13 November 1942 during the Battle of Guadalcanal. In 1943,
FDR directed the Navy to commemorate the brothers by
naming a Fletcher Class Destroyer “USS The Sullivans DD-537,”
which presenter Hal Burke had the honor of serving on in 1964.
Today, the ship is a National Historic Landmark.
Book Club
62
Al Capone’s Beer Wars, by John Binder
Wednesday, September 18, 6:00pm
This detailed account of the rise of Al Capone in Prohibition-era Chicago has been lauded by
both critics and readers. The book was described by Capone’s granddaughter, Diane Capone,
as “a masterful and definitive picture of a time that has never before been so authentically
documented.” As always, we look forward to a lively discussion about a colorful and notorious
period in Chicago’s history.