Events highlight historic Algonquin

If you’re interested in learning about Algonquin past, the village’s historic commission is offering two events next week to celebrate National Preservation Month.

A presentation titled “Footsteps through our History” is scheduled for 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 17, at the Eastgate branch of the Algonquin Area Library, 115 Eastgate Drive. It will include then-and-now images of many historic buildings in town and stories about their original owners. “If anyone has seen presentations already, this is a brand new one,” said Jeffrey Jolitz, chairman of the Algonquin Historic Commission.

Advance registration is required by calling the library’s adult services department at (847) 458-6060, ext. 143, or by visiting aapld.org and clicking on the events calendar.

On Saturday May 21, historic commission members will lead a free walking tour of old Algonquin beginning promptly at 10 a.m. at Historic Village Hall, 2 S. Main St. The 90-minute tour will include most of downtown from the Fox River to Towne Park.

Participants will hear colorful stories about the history of the village, Jolitz said. “We’ll talk about who lived in the building and what happened in the building, rather than just when the building was built,” he said.

No registration is required for the walking tour. Parking will be available in the public lot behind Historic Village Hall.

This month will also mark the launching of a new, 15-page booklet created by the historic commission. “Footsteps through Our History... Old Town Algonquin Walking Tour” comes with a foldout map and lots of photos of historic Algonquin, Jolitz said.

The free book will be available at both events. It will also be available to the general public later this month at village hall, the library and several downtown businesses.