Learn about artist Margaret Iannelli at Elgin museum
Submitted by Elgin History Museum
The Elgin History Museum, 360 Park St., offers a variety of programs this summer. Admission is $3, $1 for students, or free for museum members. For details, call (847) 742-4248 or visit elginhistory.org.
“Fragile Flower: A Talk on Artist Margaret Iannelli” will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday, July 11. Alfonso and Margaret Iannelli were a husband-and-wife design team who worked with Frank Lloyd Wright and then struck out on their own. They made their mark on the Chicago area, from the Adler Planetarium to the Pickwick Theatre in Park Ridge. Margaret continued to work as an artist even after becoming a resident of the Elgin State Hospital. Tim Samuelson has been the city of Chicago’s cultural historian for the past 10 years, functioning as a one-man office of the Department of Cultural Affairs. His job is that of a spokesman, consultant, historian and storyteller, a wide-ranging position that requires him “to tell the spirit and the history of Chicago” through exhibits, public programs, and collaboration with other cultural institutions, museums, and governmental agencies.
The museum continues its monthly Brown Bag Lunch Series this summer at noon on the third Thursday of the month. Bring your lunch; beverages and dessert provided. On July 18, the topic will be “Elgin in the 1930s.” Elgin historian Jerry Turnquist will present images of Elgin in the 1930s, along with highlights of the day. On Aug. 15, Ken Flaks will give a presentation on American Flyer Model Railroads.
On Sunday, July 28, the museum will host a Thunderbird Car Show and ice cream social from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. An exhibition of restored Thunderbirds from the 1950s and ’60s will be on display in the museum parking lot, sponsored by the Chicagoland Thunderbird Club. The museum exhibits will be open.
On Sunday, Sept. 22, the 26th annual Cemetery Walk will be held from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the historic Bluff City Cemetery on Elgin’s southeast side. The Cemetery Walk was started in 1988 by Jerry Turnquist. For more than 25 years, they have portrayed Elgin citizens from all walks of life. From the richest of the rich to everyday folks, their stories have educated and entertained all. Visitors are guided to grave sites of former Elgin residents, where actors in period costume portray them and share stories of their lives and times. Businesses, organizations, and individuals are encouraged to sponsor the cemetery walk. Sponsorship packages range from $25 to $350. Call the museum at (847) 742-4248 for information on sponsoring this year’s walk.
The Elgin History Museum is housed in an 1856 landmark building known as Old Main that was once part of the Elgin Academy. It is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Through permanent and changing exhibits, the museum brings to life Elgin’s rich heritage. Permanent exhibits include Elgin National Watch Company, the E. Maude and Carl Parlasca Native American Collection, and Elgin Road Race memorabilia. Museum hours are noon to 4 p.m. Wednesday to Saturday.