History center exhibit looks at growing up in Des Plaines

The Des Plaines History Center has unveiled its newest exhibit, "Growing up in Des Plaines: At Home, At Play, At School." Visitors can explore what it was like to be a school-age child in Des Plaines from the time of the city's settlement in the 1830s to the turn of the 21st century.

The exhibit will feature stories of Des Plaines children from days gone by and will focus on the three areas of childhood where children spent most of their time - at home, at play and at school.

"Growing up in Des Plaines" will be on display through December.

"Whether they grew up in Des Plaines or moved here as an adult, there are likely elements of their own childhoods that visitors will recognize in 'Growing up in Des Plaines.' Some of the objects we've included might bring back fond memories for visitors, like a 1950s console television used by a Des Plaines family and a Lego model of The Choo Choo restaurant," says Curator of Collections Siobhan Heraty.

"There are some great stories of childhood in Des Plaines that we think visitors will enjoy learning about in the exhibit, like the cleared ice skating area on the Des Plaines River that Ken and Margaret Meyer maintained behind their River Road home in the 1940s and 1950s. We're also excited to hear the stories that visitors can tell us about their experiences growing up in Des Plaines."

"Visitors will have the chance to view some of the sights and objects they may or may not remember from childhood. There are many stories of change and continuity that will engage everyone with childhood in decades gone by. As always, the Kids Table also has toys and games that anyone can play with," says Executive Director Philip Mohr.

The Des Plaines History Center, 781 Pearson St., Des Plaines, is open to the public from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 1-4 p.m. Sundays. Admission is free, although donations are always appreciated.

For information, call (847) 391-5399 or visit www.desplaineshistory.org. When online, visitors are invited to like Des Plaines History Center on Facebook, Instagram, follow on Twitter and become a member to receive updates, bulletins and newsletters.