Explore Wheaton’s rich history during Preservation Month
May is Preservation Month — a time to celebrate Wheaton’s rich history and discover more about our community. The Wheaton Historic Commission invites residents to take part in a variety of events and activities throughout the month, especially during Preservation Week, May 3-18, in coordination with the nationally recognized Preservation Month.
Historic Places walk
Residents will notice blue signs going up in front of the over 160 historic homes and buildings beginning May 3. Snap a picture of the QR code on the sign to be directed to the interactive Wheaton Register of Historic Places Map. The map provides images of the sites plus information such as the date built, prominent citizens of the past who lived in the home, and the architectural style. Pick a section of Wheaton and create your own self-guided tour.
History lecture
Trinity Episcopal Chapel is the historic church building which has been in continuous use on the corner of West and Wesley for 150 years. Explore the history of this vibrant place through Wheaton genealogy, stained glass art, and architecture. The history lectures are very popular, and registration is strongly recommended as space is limited. “Trinity Episcopal Chapel at 150 Years” will be from 7 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, May 7, in meeting room A of Wheaton Public Library, 225 N. Cross St. Register via www.wheatonlibrary.org.
Home history research help
Interested in learning more about your historic property? When it was built, who lived there, or how it originally looked?
Whether your interest is a home’s construction date, past owners, or its architecture, reserve a 30-minute time slot to get one-on-one help discovering available resources, where to find them, and how to uncover your home’s unique story.
Two sessions of “Home History Research” one-on-one will be offered at the Wheaton Public Library featuring Gretchen Murphy, adult services librarian, genealogy & local history specialist. Drop-ins are welcome, but reservations are recommended.
Learn more about your historic property from 6 to 9 p.m. Mondays, May 12 or 19, in the second-floor genealogy area of Wheaton Public Library, 225 N. Cross St.
To make a reservation, call (630) 868-7520 or visit the reference desk on the second floor.
To learn more about the city’s Wheaton Historic Commission, visit www.wheaton.il.us/HistoricCommission.