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Maine West High School ASL Club Joins Des Plaines History Center to Teach Children's Program

The Des Plaines History Center is teaming up with Maine West High School's ASL Club to teach the upcoming Kids Hands-On History Program. This lesson and activity will take place from 1 to 3 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 3 and repeat the following Sunday, Oct. 7.

The activity will be led by History Center Interpretive Curator Emma Marston who will teach about the history of this important American language. Marston welcomes special guest Maine West High School's ASL Club. Club members will teach participants and their families frequently used signs. All children ages 5 to 12 and their families are invited to attend. Any interested members of the public are also welcome.

Interpretive Curator Emma Marston explains the importance of teaching children not only ASL but the history of how ASL developed.

"Since its emergence in the 19th century, ASL has become a vital part of Deaf culture. Martha's Vineyard, which had a significant deaf population at one time, even developed its own unique sign language," said Marston. "Today, thousands of people throughout North America communicate with American Sign Language. We are grateful to have students from Maine West come and demonstrate for us the basics of ASL, including some signs."

Children ages 5 to 12 with an adult are invited to attend. Due to the generosity of VFW Post 2992, this event is free of charge both days. The Des Plaines History Center is located at 781 Pearson St., Des Plaines.

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