Hours
Sundays, 1– 4pm
Tuesdays– Fridays, 10am–5pm
781 Pearson Street • 847-391-5399 • www.desplaineshistory.org
Hands-On History Programs
Victorian Christmas
Wednesday, December 5 and Sunday, December 9
1:00 –3:00pm • Free
Many of our modern-day Christmas customs have their roots in
Victorian Christmas traditions. Step back in time this winter and
explore Victorian-era holiday traditions like decorating the tree,
Christmas cards, preparing for Santa Claus, and more. Sponsored by VFW Post 2992
Curious Clothes
Wednesday, January 2 and Sunday, January 6
1:00 –3:00pm • Free
Where did people get their clothes hundreds of years ago?
This month, we're looking at the history of fabrics and
clothing and how people made their own clothes from
natural materials like cotton, silk, and wool. We'll try on
some old-fashioned outfits, explore how different fabrics
keep us warm or cool, and felt our own artistic creations!
Sponsored by VFW Post 2992
Natural Art Inspired by Peggy Macnamara
Wednesday, February 6 and Sunday, February 10
1:00 –3:00pm • Free
Peggy Macnamara's stunning paintings combine beautiful watercolors with intricately
detailed plants, animals, insects, etc. Join us this month to explore how natural history and art
connect in Peggy's work. We will experiment with watercolors to make our own natural art
inspired by real-life plant and animal models. Sponsored by VFW Post 2992
Special Events
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.
48
Chestnut Roasting at Metropolitan Square
Friday, December 7
4:00 –7:00pm • Tree lighting at 6:30pm • Free
We’ve all heard about “chestnuts roasting on an open fire,” but have you actually tried some?
Join us at Metropolitan Square for the City of Des Plaines Holiday Tree Lighting! Festivities
begin at 4pm, and the History Center crew will be there roasting chestnuts.
Holiday Open House at Des Plaines Historical Center
Sunday, December 16
2:00 –5:00pm • Free
Join us for an afternoon of holiday cheer of hot mulled cider, carols, and festive activities for all
ages! Come to sing, eat, and make your own holiday card to share with a loved one. Meet our
new staff and learn more about your local History Center.
Coffee Talks
"Al Capone and the 1933 World’s Fair: The End of the Gangster Era in Chicago”
Thursday, January 10 • 1:30 –2:30pm • $3 suggested donation
William Hazelgrove, best-selling author, will discuss his book about the end of American Italian
gangs in Chicago. The end of Prohibition also ended the era for which Chicago is most well-
known. Join us for a lively historical discussion.
Artist Peggy Macnamara
Thursday, February 14 • 1:30 –2:30pm • $3 suggested donation
Join us on Valentine’s Day for a discussion with Peggy
Macnamara, resident artist at the Field Museum, who will talk
about the relationship between history, nature, and art. She
has years of experience both as a naturalist and watercolorist.
Open to everyone interested in nature and beautiful watercolor
paintings. www.peggymacnamara.com