Get greater insight into history at library presentations
How did we get to this point? Who were the people and what were the circumstances that shaped the world, bit by bit, until it became what it is right now?
The stories are often more fascinating, daring, twisted and tangled than a best-selling novel.
At the Schaumburg Library, we love to bring tales of history to life through portrayals, exhibits and multimedia presentations by local experts. We invite you to come and learn about politicians, celebrities, inventors, artists, authors and infamous criminals.
By coming to one of the library's free history programs, you will be simultaneously entertained and enlightened, and leave with greater insight into a person or event than you had upon entering the room. All of the following programs take place at the Central Library, 130 S. Roselle Road, Schaumburg.
The library's next history program will be the "Illinois Cherry Mine Disaster" from 7-8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 15, in the Rasmussen Room. Historian Jim Gibbons will tell about the 481 men and boys caught in the blazing mine, more than half of whom did not survive. Primarily consisting of Italian immigrants, some of the victims were as young as 11 years old.
In 1910, this event triggered stronger fire and safety regulations governing the mines. You will hear rescue and survival stories from this history presenter.
Later this month, first ladies will virtually visit the library from 7-8:10 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 28, in the Rasmussen Room, through a living history portrayal titled "Mrs. Lincoln and Mrs. Kennedy." Presenters and actresses Laura Keyes and Leslie Goddard will help us imagine a meeting between the two famous first ladies as they recall their roles in the White House and the challenges faced after their husbands' deaths.
The library's "Overlooked Americans" series will return from 7-8:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 8, in the Rasmussen North Room. Come and learn about the musician who created a new form of American music, the woman who was given the title "Queen of Carbon," the first black airline pilot for United Airlines and Chicago's most beloved puppet show.
Looking for something to get you in the holiday spirit? Come to "Home for the Holidays" from 2:30-4 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 14, in the Rasmussen Room. Windy City Road Warrior Dave Clark will discuss the origins of some of our most cherished holiday traditions and glance back to a time when a work war paused for a Christmas truce.
You may leave with the renewed realization that, for the holidays, you can't beat home sweet home.
Many more history programs are planned for 2018, so check the library's guides throughout the year to see what's in store. The guides are mailed to Schaumburg Township residents and accessible online at www.SchaumburgLibrary.org. They are also available at all three library locations in Schaumburg, Hoffman Estates and Hanover Park.