Elk Grove museum features Hamburger University in new exhibit

Posted March 02, 2017 10:00 pm

Submitted by Elk Grove Historical Museum

The Hamberger University exhibit at the Elk Grove Historical Museum features original artifacts like these uniforms. Courtesy of Elk Grove Historical Museum

Elk Grove museum features McDonald's Hamburger University in new exhibit

A temporary museum exhibit, McDonald's Hamburger University, will open Friday, March 10, at the Elk Grove Historical Museum.

McDonald's Golden Arches is one of the most recognized symbols in the world. Shortly after fast food took the country by storm in the 1950s, a unique facility, Hamburger University, was established in Elk Grove Village in 1961 to train McDonald's management.

Using a blend of video, sound, original artifacts and touch components, discover how Hamburger University made a global impact. Artifacts include a prototype of the Multimixer sold by Ray Kroc, original uniforms, newsletters and vintage packaging.

Visitors can listen to sound clips from the daughter of the first student to receive a degree in Hamburgerology, a Class III graduate, and an employee of Ray Kroc. Additional interactives include a burger flipping station, trivia and the 50th anniversary video about Hamburger University.

McDonald's Hamburger University will be on view through the end of August at 399 Biesterfield Road. Admission is free.

Visitors are encouraged to attend the free opening reception starting at 2:30 p.m. Friday.

After viewing the exhibit, visitors are invited to join Michael Bullington of McDonald's Corp. at 5:30 p.m. at Garden Terrace Banquets, 1000 Wellington Ave., for a look into the impact of Hamburger University.

A light dinner and dessert will be provided. The program is for ages 13 and older. While the event is free, registration is required for seating and food purposes. Call (847) 439-3994 to RSVP by Tuesday, March 7th.

Exhibit hours are, March to May: Wednesday and Friday 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. and Saturday 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., also by appointment. June to August: Wednesday and Friday from noon to 5 p.m. and Saturday 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., also by appointment.

During the summer on Wednesdays, the museum will host drop-in programs featuring interactive activities such as creating menu items from clay and other craft supplies and assembling your own menu. Check the website for more information, www.elkgroveparks.org/Museum/Exhibit.

This exhibit is supported by McDonald's restaurants at 10 W. Biesterfield Road, 633 Meacham Road and 1450 Busse Road.

Museum Curator Sandy Denninger prepares exhibit panels for installation. Courtesy of Elk Grove Historical Museum

Ray Kroc, chairman of McDonald's Corp., unveils a large sign marking the 10,000th graduate of Hamburger University at 2010 Higgins Road in Elk Grove Village. Courtesy of Elk Grove Historical Museum

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