'Wings of War' program opens museum season March 11
The Dundee Township Historical Museum, 426 Highland Ave. in West Dundee, will kick off the 2018 season at 2 p.m. Sunday, March 11, with a special program, titled "Wings of War," presented by Don Alesi, local World War I historian.
Alesi will relate the story of aviation and the American pilots who risked their lives in the skies over Europe during the "Great War".
America was not well prepared for war at the time. There were no trained pilots and an air force was not in operation in the American military. World War I would see the end of trench warfare on the ground and the beginning of a new kind of warfare in the clouds.
There is no admission charge but donations graciously accepted.
The historical society will host its annual meeting and program at 2 p.m. Sunday, May 7. Visit dundeetownshiphistorical.org.
While you're at the museum, learn about the "Saga of a Haeger Vase."
In 1914, David Haeger decided to change the focus of the business he had purchased in 1871. For those first 43 years, the brick yards produced bricks and drainage tiles.
The new focus led to the production of simple flower pots and vases. This first vase was designated "Adam" and was soon followed by "Eve." To come upon an original now of either would be a real find.
To celebrate the 125th anniversary of the founding of the business, the Haeger Pottery produced a reproduction of "Adam" and "Eve."
This "Adam" on exhibit at the museum will travel to Springfield, Illinois, sometime this spring. At the Governor's Mansion, an exhibit will be mounted to display examples of Illinois arts and crafts as a part of the celebration of the 200th anniversary of statehood.
Along with "Adam" will be the iconic Black Panther and other Haeger Pottery pieces from the Haeger-Estes family.
The Haeger exhibit continues through December. The museum has another "Adam" to replace the one going to Springfield.
If you haven't visited the museum to see the Haeger exhibit, stop by from 2 to 4 p.m. Wednesdays or Sundays.