Minnie Muller's Bridal Shower recreated in Arlington Heights

Travel back in time to when life was simpler - or was it? Ladies curtsied, gentleman bowed, but there was a rule for just about every circumstance in one's day.

You are formally invited to the Arlington Heights Historical Museum at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 25, as a guest to the bridal shower of Minnie Muller, held inside the historic Banta House.

As you travel back to the year 1901, you are greeted by Minnie Muller, portrayed by Lauren Szady, who is the eldest daughter of F.W. Muller of Arlington Club Beverages, who is about to marry the prominent Mr. Nathaniel Banta.

Guests are treated to light refreshments as they listen to Minnie open up on the trials and tribulations of courtship and the planning of a wedding during the Victorian era.

Szady, of The History Envelope, is an accomplished character actress who transforms herself into historic figures. She brings the well-researched history to life as she recounts particular events of her characters.

When asked how she conducts her research, Szady explains, "I try to find out as much as I can about the women I portray and attempt to figure out how they are feeling about what is happening in their world.

"Minnie Muller was an exciting figure to research because the Arlington Heights Historical Museum has a dozen or so letters written in her own handwriting to her family spanning the course of about 25 years. One letter in particular was written on the day after her wedding to Nathaniel Banta.

"Letters are the jackpot to historical character research because it allows you to get a glimpse into their daily life, how they converse with their family and friends, and what they find important. "

For reservations, call the museum at (847) 255-1225 or visit www.ahpd.org.

Tickets are $25; $20 for Historical Society members (members are asked to call the museum to receive their discounted tickets).

The Arlington Heights Historical Museum, 110 W. Fremont St., collects and preserves significant materials relating to the past and shares them through educational and recreational activities that promote community heritage and pride.

The museum is run through a partnership between the Arlington Heights Historical Society, the Arlington Heights Park District, and the Village of Arlington Heights.

More information about the museum can be found at www.ahmuseum.org.