Living history in the suburbs: 5 events where you can travel back in time
You can read about history in a book, but a living history experience can take your knowledge to a new level.
Ever wondered what it would be like to travel the Underground Railroad, or to fight in the Revolutionary or Civil War?
Take a step back in time and learn about life in the 18th, 19th and early 20th century at these events which feature historical re-enactments.
Journey on the Underground Railroad
6:30 and 8:15 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Aug. 24 and Aug. 25, at the Graue Mill and Museum, 3800 S. York Road, Oak Brook. Experience what it was like to be a part of the Underground Railroad. This theatrical experience begins with a performance in which the audience will meet the legendary Harriet Tubman. General admission $15, $10 for children. Call (630) 655-2090 for reservations. www.grauemill.org.
Civil War Encampment
10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 1 and Sunday, Sept. 2, at the Graue Mill and Museum, 3800 S. York Road, Oak Brook. Members of the 10th Illinois Regiment and their families depict what life was like in a Union military camp. Black powder firing demonstrations and drills, cooking. toys and crafts. Free. www.grauemill.org.
Hainesville's Civil War Encampment and Battle
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 8, and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 9, at on the north end of the Northbrook Sports Club property, 200 South Hainesville Road, Hainesville. Relive history as knowledgeable re-enactors, both military and civilian in period garb, recreate an American Civil War encampment and battle. Narrated military battles between Union and Confederate forces, military and civilian bivouacs and encampments and more. American cricket games and instruction, period music, souvenirs and food vendors. Free. www.hainesville.org.
Revolutionary War Re-enactment
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday Sept. 8, and Sunday, Sept. 9, at Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton. History comes alive as dozens of re-enactors from the Northwest Territory Alliance camp at the park to stage mock battles and provide a look at what life was like for soldiers and civilians in the 18th century. Free. Parking $10. cantigny.org.
Bluff City Cemetery Walk
11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 23, at Bluff City Cemetery, 945 Bluff City Blvd., Elgin. Costumed tour guides will lead visitors to meet characters from Elgin's past while also revealing history of the cemetery along the way. Learn about Victorian funeral customs, the spinning wheel, zinc monuments and the care of Civil War monuments. Tickets are $12 in advance, $10 for Elgin History Museum members and $15 day-of; free for children 12 and younger. elginhistory.org or (847) 742-4248.