'Sizzle, Sequins, Murder & Mayhem' comes to Glen Ellyn History Center Jan. 12
The Glen Ellyn Historical Society invites the community to a variety of programs this winter. All events occur at the Glen Ellyn History Center at 800 N. Main St. Glen Ellyn, unless otherwise noted. Free parking is available at the building and on surrounding lots and streets. The history center is wheelchair accessible and has wheelchair accessible restrooms.
For information, call (630) 469-1867 or visit www.glenellynhistory.org.
• On Tuesday, Jan. 8, bring the kids for "Aunt Tillie's Story Time" at 10:30 a.m. This is a free program geared for children 2 through 5 years of age. All children have to be accompanied by a caregiver, parent or grandparent. No reservations are required. Call (630) 469-1867 for information.
• The Book Discussion Group will meet at 10 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 10. The January book will be "The Death and Life of the Great Lakes" by Dan Egan. A readable portrait of the ecological perils facing the Great Lakes and ways residents can help to restore them. This group is open to everyone. While it is a lot more fun if you have read the book, if you have an interest in the topic, you are welcome to join in the discussion. The program is free; no registration is required.
• "Sizzle, Sequins, Murder & Mayhem! True Stories of Chicago in the 1920s" will be presented at 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 12, Glen Ellyn History Center, 800 N. Main St. Performer Martina Mathisen tells the story of Chicago in the 1920s. Why was this time in Chicago so remarkable? Was the film, "Chicago" inspired from true stories? Find out with this engaging and educational program that brings our Big City to life! Tickets will be for sale at the door for $5. Refreshments will be provided.
• "Dazzling Dream Cars-Chicago Auto Show Dream Cars & Concept Vehicle History" will be presented at 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 19. Chicago Auto Show historian M.J. Frumkin presents "Dazzling Dream Cars," a 45-minute video highlighting the best futuristic prototypes, dream cars and concept vehicles that have captivated crowds at the annual Chicago Auto Show for more than 75 years. Featuring hundreds of images, this rapid paced presentation ranges from the original dream car, the Buick Y-Job of the 1930s, right up to the ultramodern automotive visions of 2018. Frumkin will give away two pairs of complimentary passes to the 2019 Chicago Auto Show and bite size samples of Ryba Fudge, the official show confection. Admission is $5. Refreshments will be served. Tickets for sale at the door the day of the event.
• On Saturday, Feb. 2, there will be an encore presentation of "H.H. Holmes: The True History of the White City Devil" at 2 p.m. Given Adam Selzer's sold-out presentation in September, the historical society has rebooked him so all who want to hear him can enjoy this fascinating program. Hear Selzer talk about the topic of his book on the "White City Devil" H.H. Holmes, and learn more details about this 19th-century Chicago serial killer. Selzer leads tours of mysterious sites in Chicago, and has written a book about this infamous killer. His book is considered the first truly comprehensive biography of Holmes, drawn from thousands of primary sources, many of which had been unseen since the 1890s. Tickets are $8 or $6 for historical society members. Refreshments will be served. The program is not recommended for children. Given that the previous presentation sold out, they do recommend advance purchase of tickets at Stacy's Corners Store or by phone at (630) 469-1867.
• Story Time with Aunt Tillie will be offered from 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 12. Come join Aunt Tillie (Dr. Maria Bakalis from Curtain Up Classroom) for a wonderful story time. Story Time is geared to 2- to 5-year-olds, but everyone young at heart is welcome. Caregivers are asked to stay with their children for this special story and activity time. It is free. No reservations required.
• On Saturday, Feb. 23, Laura Keyes will present "Mary Lincoln's Photograph Album: An Illustrated Lecture" at 2 p.m. Mary Todd Lincoln, wife of the nation's 16th president, lived a life filled with triumphs and tragedies but few people know her story. One piece to the myriad puzzle of her life is her personal photograph album, which was compiled over many years. This precious artifact tells not only Mary Lincoln's story, but the Lincoln family story as well. Come to hear scholar Laura Keyes share the history of this personal item, Mary Lincoln's photograph album, and see for yourself what photographs Mrs. Lincoln kept (and the ones she didn't). Keyes graduated from University of Wisconsin-Madison with a Master's Degree in Library Studies, and is a lifetime member of the Association of Lincoln Presenters. She enjoys researching literary symbolism, and is contracted to write a book on that subject. In 2017, Keyes won the Mary Todd Lincoln oratory contest at the Lincoln Days Celebration in Hodgenville, Kentucky. Cost is $8 or $6 for historical society members. It is $5 for students, age 18 or under $5. Refreshments will be served.