History Center presents Valentine's Day program

The Des Plaines History Center will present a free program on the history of valentines and Valentine's Day from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Thursday at the History Center's Visitor Center at 781 Pearson St. Free coffee, tea and cookies will be served following the program.

The program will be presented by Ellie Carlson, a museum professional for over 20 years. Carlson has been making her own handmade Valentines for almost 40 years and describes the holiday as "the most important holiday of the year."

The presentation will cover the history of the holiday, information on Saint Valentine and antique valentines. Some examples of old-fashioned valentines from the History Center's collection will be on display that day.

The Valentines program is part of a monthly series called Coffee Talk.

On the second Thursday of each month, hear a free historical presentation or performance followed by coffee, tea and cookies.

For more information about the program, call (847) 391-5399.