Why is it called Half Day Road? Learn about that and other surprises at the Lake County History Symposium

Contrary to popular lore, a portion of Route 22 near Lincolnshire isn’t known as Half Day Road because it took that long by horse and carriage to get to Chicago.

History buffs and the generally curious can learn how researchers separate myth from facts and uncover new information through research for that and other stories during the upcoming Lake County History Symposium.

Presented virtually over two sessions from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Jan. 8 and Jan. 15, the theme of the annual event is “Historical Surprises: When Research Reveals the Unexpected.”

Mistaken identities, forgotten diaries, vanished communities and newly uncovered literary treasures anchor the program hosted by the Lake County Forest Preserve District’s Dunn Museum.

The symposium is the kick off for the rest of events planned at the museum and forest preserves to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, according to Sarah Salto, museum educator.

For the first time in its 11-year run, the symposium will open with a keynote address.

Patricia Mooney-Melvin, associate professor of history and public history program director at Loyola University Chicago, will explain the importance of local history, how that ties to the semiquincentennial and discuss unique historic sites around Lake County.

That theme also encourages a closer look at lesser-known stories that shaped communities, Salto added.

“We want the audience to come away with new information,” she said. The program has grown in popularity since it shifted from an in-person to a virtual event during COVID, according to Salto.

“That's brought out new presenters and proposals, too,” she said. “It really highlights the important work historians do and the research they're still conducting.”

Starting in September, local museums, historical societies and scholars were invited to present proposals. Those selected were based on the ability to share uncovered stories and the importance of continued research.

Besides the keynote address, highlights of the Jan. 8 session include the reexamination of a portrait long-thought to depict a prominent Libertyville resident and questions about its true subject; and, revisiting an 1899 mystery in Vernon and Ela townships, prompted by a diary entry that challenges long-held assumptions.

The Jan. 15 presentation features a fresh examination of the lost 19th century community of Half Day and tracing how a town and building lost their identities; a behind-the-scenes look at the personal papers of Waukegan-born author Ray Bradbury; and, forgotten community cookbooks of the 1930s that reveal unexpected connections between Highland Park and Park Ridge.

“In the upcoming year, historians, scholars and researchers will be sharing how actively conducting research can lead to telling fuller stories and showcase diverse perspectives,” Salto said.

Learn more on the Illinois Humanities webpage.