Fall for history at the DuPage County Historical Museum

From presidential campaigns to classic DuPage diners, explore surprising stories and more at the museum this fall.

The DuPage County Historical Museum in historic downtown Wheaton will host a bounty of special events in October and November, ranging from a look at eyebrow-raising presidential campaigns throughout U.S. history to a nostalgia-rich night focused on iconic DuPage diners.

All events take place at the museum, 102 E. Wesley St. in Wheaton. Admission is free, but advance registration is requested. Sign up at dupagemuseum.org/calendar/.

Check out the lineup below:

• Saturday, Oct. 12: “Mudslinging, Muckraking, and Apple Pie: Presidential Campaigns, the Great American Pastime” from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Think campaigns are cutthroat now? Learn about the mudslinging and muckraking of past presidential contests, including Jefferson vs. Adams in 1800, Jackson vs. Adams in 1828, and Lincoln vs. Douglas in 1860 with Terry Lynch of History Presents. He also will delve into Teddy Roosevelt's decision to start his own political party in the 1912 campaign. This is perfect for election year or studying the history of elections.

• Saturday, Oct. 19: “Craft Workshop: High School Memories” from 1 to 3 p.m. Complementing the museum’s “Extracurricular: High School Tradition and Culture in DuPage” special exhibit, this workshop offers the chance to decorate a homemade graduation cap and create a tassel or cords.

• Saturday, Oct. 26: Leslie Goddard’s Amelia Earhart and DuPage County Historical Society Centennial Awards from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Hear from historian and author Leslie Goddard performing as Amelia Earhart as she attempts a flight around the world in 1937. Plus, join the DuPage County Historical Society’s celebration of historical organizations marking 100 years in operation.

• Monday, Nov. 11: “Hometown Heroes of the 745th” from 7 to 8 p.m. Celebrate Veterans Day with retired U.S. Army Armor Officer Steve Fixler, a volunteer at the First Division Museum at Cantigny Park, as he shares the history of the 745th independent tank battalion that supported the First Infantry Division during World War II.

• Thursday, Nov. 14: “Iconic DuPage Diners and Hangouts” from 7 to 8 p.m. Before there was Five Guys, there were these guys: Hear from the families behind legendary local hangouts Cock Robin, Scooby’s and Al’s Pizza. Plus, chew on some DuPage dining trivia with culinary historian Bruce Kraig.

• Saturday, Nov. 16: “Walking the Tracks with DuPage Society of Model Engineers” from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Train and rail buffs can walk the (model) tracks with the club members. Get an up-close look at the museum’s HO Model Train exhibit and learn more about the history of model railroading in this National Model Railroad Month event.

There’s so much more to explore every day at the DuPage County Historical Museum. Check out the museum’s permanent and rotating exhibits any day of the week. The museum is free and open to the public Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and on weekends from noon to 4 p.m.

Details about these special events and more can be found at dupagemuseum.org/calendar/.