Des Plaines History Center hosts program on Camp Grant

The Des Plaines History Center will be hosting a Coffee Talk presentation, "Camp Grant during World War I and World War II" with Greg Jacobs, at 1:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 12, at 781 Pearson St., in Des Plaines.

This will be the History Center's first in-person program since 2019

Jacobs will tell the story of Camp Grant, drawing from the memories and photographs from the World War I troops, Illinois National Guardsmen, World War II draftees, medical personnel and German POWs that passed through.

Established in 1917, thousands of soldiers during World War I and II were trained at what became Camp Grant in Northwest Illinois.

Jacobs describes the impact of Camp Grant: "The history of Camp Grant starts in 1917 and ends in 1946, and it's not just a local interest for Rockford. The camp's footprint can be extended throughout the Midwest, and even the entire country, because so many men and women either passed through Camp Grant or were stationed there during the existence of the camp."

Social distancing practices will still be in effect, and any unvaccinated visitors are required to wear masks.

The History Center's Coffee Talks are an adult program meant to invite public participation and discussion on a broad range of historical topics. This program is presented by Village Bank & Trust.

The next Coffee Talk will be "Tales of Forgotten Chicago."

For information and to register, visit www.desplaineshistory.org or call (847) 391-5399.