McHenry County Museum offers holiday activities

Preparing for the Christmas holiday involves making the everyday schedule even busier, but the McHenry County Historical Society has a solution for all that scrambling.

Take a short drive to Union to the McHenry County Historical Society Museum, 6422 Main St., any afternoon from 1 to 4 p.m. Monday to Friday in December and enjoy your own free getaway.

Thanks to a couple of special Christmas enthusiasts, Janet Streib and Bobbi Finn of Crystal Lake, the McHenry County Historical Society museum will present a "Teddy Bear Christmas" display featuring about 35 handmade and collectible bears.

Adding to the holiday look, society board member and Christmas memorabilia collector Dave Harms will expand the exhibit with numerous period department store holiday decorations. Also this year, the historical society will have members of the State Line Toy Collectors Club participating with displays of antique toys.

From 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, the museum will provide refreshments and be open as part of the annual Marengo-Union Christmas Walk. The museum's gift corner will be available for special local history purchases.

For information on the Christmas Open House, special exhibits and gift corner selections, call the historical society at (815) 923-2267 or visit mchsonline.org. Any nonperishable food products, personal or cleaning products brought to the museum during open hours will be delivered to area food pantries.