Kids to portray historical figures at wax museum event
A group of children has discovered there's no better way to learn about history than to actually become it.
Or at least pretend to for a day.
About 50 children from around the Western suburbs will take on that task Sunday at the Exhibit Dreamers Wax Museum of African-American History.
Children will impersonate prominent black leaders such as Charles Henry Turner, Garrett Morgan, Booker T. Washington and Barbara Jordan by dressing in character and giving a presentation about them.
The event will take place from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Sunday at the Hyatt Lisle, 1400 Corporetum Drive.
The show is presented by the nonprofit Agape Connection Inc. and will immediately follow the group's annual Martin Luther King brunch.
Tickets for the luncheon are $65 for adults and $25 for children, though the Dreamers show is free.
The unusual event is in its fourth year and has grown each year, leaders say.
"This is a unique, fun way for the kids to learn about history," event coordinator Andrea Collier said. "It's clearly beneficial because they research the leaders' struggles and show people how they've been committed to their goals."
It also gives children the chance to sharpen skills such as researching, exhibit presentation, public speaking, acting and more, she said.
Participants and groups are in preschool through seventh grade, and most are from the Western suburbs.
New this year were opportunities for teens to mentor a child. Teens worked with younger students to help develop their presentations.
For details, e-mail wax-museum@hotmail.com or call (630) 961-5646.
If you go
What: 2008 Exhibit Dreamers Wax Museum of African-American History
When: 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Sunday
Where: Hyatt Lisle, 1400 Corporetum Drive
Cost: Free; luncheon tickets are $65 for adults, $25 for children
Info: (630) 961-5646