2013
April
3
“Five Lieutenants” Author James Carl Nelson
to Speak
The First Division Museum at Cantigny Park announces a free
presentation by author James Carl Nelson on Wednesday, April 3,
at 7:30 pm.
Nelson will discuss Five Lieutenants: The Heartbreaking Story
of Five Harvard Men Who Led America to Victory in World War I,
published in 2012. The book tells the story of five junior officers
who took up the call to arms in the spring of 1917 and met differing
fates. The men participated in the first American-led offensive
of World War I at the Battle of Cantigny in 1918 where they were
subjected to the hardships and challenges of war. Five Lieutenants
presents a unique and fascinating account of citizen soldiers
and their personal sacrifices.
Nelson earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the
University of Minnesota and worked as a staff writer for The Miami
Herald. He is the author of The Remains of Company D: A Story
of the Great War, which follows the members of Company D, 28th
Infantry Regiment, United States First Division, from enlist to
combat during WWI.
Doors open at 6:45 pm on April 3. A book signing will follow
the presentation and copies of Five Lieutenants will be available
for purchase.
Admission and parking are complimentary. For more information,
please call 630.260.8227.
The event is part of the First Division Museum’s popular
series, A Date with History. The monthly programs feature an evening
of lively discussion with authors, panelists, historians and special
speakers. Information about upcoming programs is online at FirstDivisionMuseum.org.
6
Civil War Campfire
Old State Capitol State Historic Site
Visit the grounds of the Old State Capitol and gather around a
campfire to learn about what soldiers ate during the Civil War
and how they prepared their food.
The Old State Capitol State Historic Site, administered by the
Illinois Historic Preservation Agency, was the seat of Illinois
government from 1839 to 1876, and many world-famous Illinoisans,
including Abraham Lincoln, Stephen A. Douglas and Ulysses S. Grant,
worked in its offices and halls. The site is open for free public
tours.
Information: 217-785-7960, justin.blandford@illinois.gov,
www.oldstatecapitol.org.
11
IAM's Annual Museum Day in Springfield. Join the Illinois
Association of Museums and Museums In the Park as we join forces
with the Illinois State Museum for Museum Day in Springfield 2013.
Join with colleagues from across the state as we bring our important
message about museums to our state legislators. This year
is especially crucial because of the extraordinary number of freshman
legislators.
12
“Night in the Mansion” Family Overnight Returns
to McCormick Museum
A popular Cantigny Park event returns on Friday, April 12, when
the Robert R. McCormick Museum presents “A Night in the
Mansion” Family Overnight. Participation is geared toward
children ages 5 to 10 and their parents or guardians.
Guests will enjoy a variety of activities inside the historic
former home of Cantigny’s benefactor, Robert R. McCormick.
The evening begins with a special program featuring raptors from
Willowbrook Wildlife Center in Glen Ellyn. Other planned activities
include a pillowcase craft and a flashlight tour of the mansion.
Everyone will then settle into their sleeping bags to watch movies
in the historic Gold Theatre.
A light breakfast will be served in the museum on Saturday morning.
Overnight guests may then wish to explore Cantigny Park on their
own or even join the monthly bird walk.
“Night in the Mansion” begins at 6:30 pm on April
12. The cost is $45 per person ($40.50 for Cantigny Plus members)
and includes craft supplies, snacks, movie, continental breakfast
and complimentary parking. One adult for every four children is
required. Reservations (required) can be made online at Cantigny.org
or by calling 630.260.8162. Space is limited.
The McCormick Museum is open Tuesday through Sunday. Admission
and guided tours are complimentary. More information about Cantigny—including
museum and park hours, directions and a calendar of upcoming events—is
online at Cantigny.org.
16
Spurlock Museum Exhibit Opening
Unconventional Bond: The Strange Life of Casino Royale on Film
:30
The Spurlock Museum celebrates James Bond and his creator, Ian
Fleming, with the exhibit Unconventional Bond: The Strange Life
of Casino Royale on Film from April 16 through June 16. Supported
in part by the Illinois Arts Council, the exhibit features props,
scripts, and an Aston Martin. Admission is free. Unconventional
Bond is part of the University of Illinois’ collaborative
celebration The Birth of Bond: Ian Fleming’s Casino Royale
at 60. The Spurlock Museum is located at 600 S. Gregory Street,
Urbana. For more information, contact Kim Sheahan at 217-244-3355.
26-28
Spurlock Museum Special Event
James Bond Film Festival :30
In conjunction with the University of Illinois’ collaborative
celebration The Birth of Bond: Ian Fleming’s Casino Royale
at 60, the Spurlock Museum will hold a James Bond Film Festival
April 26 through 28. John Cork, a noted Bond film historian and
co-founder of the Ian Fleming Foundation, will lead the discussions.
A Festival schedule is listed on the Museum’s website www.spurlock.illinois.edu.
Admission is free. The Spurlock Museum is located at 600 S. Gregory
Street, Urbana.
19-21
Spring Indian Market Days
Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site
This is a unique shopping opportunity to browse and purchas Native
American arts and crafts, while learning about Native American
culture. There will be more than 25 artisans and craftspersons,
representing a variety of media and tribal affiliations. Some
items include paintings, jewelry, and pottery pieces. Free.
Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site, administered by the Illinois
Historic Preservation Agency, is just eight miles from downtown
St. Louis in Collinsville, Illinois off Interstates 55/70 (Exit
6) and I-255 (Exit 24) on Collinsville Road. The Interpretive
Center is open Wednesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.,
and closed Mondays and Tuesdays through April. There is no admission
fee although donations are suggested. For more information or
a calendar of events, call (618) 346-5160 or visit www.cahokiamounds.org.
May
1
Garden Tips & Tastes
Idea Garden, 12 pm
Bring a lunch and join Liz Omura from Cantigny Horticulture for
some practical advice, a new recipe and plenty of plant chatter.
Sessions meet on the first and third Wednesday each month. Advance
registration requested at Cantigny.org or 630.260.8162. Free with
paid parking ($5).
2
Sprouts Parent-Child Program
Education Center, 10 to 11 am
Children ages 3 to 5 years are invited to explore seasonal nature
topics through stories, hands-on activities, nature walks and
crafts. The theme for this 3-session class is “Fantastic
Feathered Friends.” Class also meets May 9 & 16. Cost:
$18; parking free. Register at Cantigny.org or 630.260.8162.
3
Sprouts Parent-Child Program
Education Center, 10 to 11 am
Children ages 3 to 5 years are invited to explore seasonal nature
topics through stories, hands-on activities, nature walks and
crafts. The theme for this 3-session class is “Fantastic
Feathered Friends.” Class also meets May 10 & 17. Cost:
$18; parking free. Register at Cantigny.org or 630.260.8162.
4-5
Lincoln New Salem's Annual Antique Farm Show. Horse
drawn plows, historic farming equipment and agricultural techniques
from the 19th century will be featured during the Antique Farm
Show at Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site near Petersburg.
Draft horse teams will prepare the soil for the planting of crops
within the historic village.
Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site, administered by
the Illinois Preservation Agency, is a reconstruction of the 1830s
log village where Abraham Lincoln spent six years of his life.
It is located about 20 miles northwest of Springfield and two
miles south of Petersburg, Illinois on Route 97, and is open for
free public tours.
5
Open House
Cantigny Greenhouse, 10 am to 3 pm
Bring the family and your green thumb to this popular annual
event! Demonstrations, tours, exhibits, plant sales, kids’
activities and more. Members of the Cantigny Horticulture staff
will answer your gardening and plant questions. Admission and
parking are free; some activities may involve a small fee. Enter
Cantigny at main gate on Winfield Road (not Shaffner Road). Complimentary
tram service to the greenhouse.
6
Golden Oak Club
Education Center, 10 to 11:30 am
This popular second-year program for seniors meets on the first
and third Monday of the month through October (no meeting Sept.
2). The first meeting each month features a guest speaker; the
second is devoted to various social activities. Each meeting includes
refreshments. Cost $25 per year; parking free, plus complimentary
tram service from main parking to the Education Center. Register
at Cantigny.org or 630.260.8162.
Doodlebugs Art Class
Education Center, 1 to 2 pm
Drop off your child (ages 5 & 6) for an hour of creative
exploration! Class meets three consecutive Mondays: May 6, 13
& 20. The theme is “Nature Art.” Students will
use the beauty of nature for inspiration to create take-home masterpieces.
Cost: $18; parking free. Register at Cantigny.org or call 630.260.8162.
7
Garden Tour: Spring Annuals & Bulbs
Visitors Center, 11 am
Join Craig Kruckenberg and Jackie Kosbab from Cantigny Horticulture
on a guided stroll through the stunning color and variety of the
early-May gardens. Free with paid parking ($5).
Star Wars Art Class
Education Center, 6 to 7:30 pm
This class for ages 6-11 will meet on four consecutive Thursdays,
including May 14, 21 & 28. With Star Wars as the theme, this
fun and entertaining class will combine art projects with games
as well as food activities. Kari Kraus from Water Street Studios
will instruct. Cost is $70, parking free. Register at Cantigny.org
or 630.260.8162.
10
National Public Gardens Day
Visitors Center, 10 am to 4 pm
The staff of Cantigny Horticulture will conduct special tours
highlighting spring plantings at 10:30 am, 12:30 pm and 2 pm.
The tours (and garden advice) are free, and so is park admission
for guests who bring a voucher available at www.nationalpublicgardensday.org.
11
Tree Climbing Competition
Picnic Grounds, 10 am
Spectators are welcome at this professional competition conducted
by the Illinois Arborist Association. Free with paid parking ($5).
Jewelry & Accessories Show
Visitors Center, 10 am to 4 pm
Come get your bling on at the “Beads, Bangles, & Baubles”
Jewelry & Accessories Show! Local artisans will exhibit handcrafted
items in many styles and mediums—perfect for Mother’s
Day gift-giving. Free with paid parking ($5).
15
Garden Tips & Tastes
Idea Garden, 12 pm
Bring a lunch and join Liz Omura from Cantigny Horticulture for
some practical advice, a new recipe and plenty of plant chatter.
Sessions meet on the first and third Wednesday each month. Advance
registration requested at Cantigny.org or 630.260.8162. Free with
paid parking ($5).
Date with History Series: Rick Atkinson
Visitors Center Theater, 7:30 pm
Pulitzer Prize winning author Rick Atkinson will discuss his
new book, “The Guns at Last Light: The War in Western Europe,
1944-1945,” (volume three of the Liberation Trilogy). Program
and parking free. For more information, visit FirstDivisionMuseum.org
or call 630.260.8187.
18
Armed Forces Day
First Division Museum/Tank Park,
9 am to 4 pm
Enjoy fun-filled family and educational activities honoring the
United States Armed Forces. The museum’s historic military
vehicles will be on display. Free parking all day. For more information,
visit FirstDivisionMuseum.org or call 630.260.8187.
25
Summer Exhibit Opening:
“Faces of the 1st”
First Division Museum, 10 am
What do a drummer from New York, a chaplain from Texas and a
nurse from Wisconsin have in common? They all served in the U.S.
Army’s 1st Infantry Division. “Faces of the 1st”
will tell their stories, plus the stories of 14 other veterans
who served with the famed “Big Red One.” Visitors
will experience the Division’s history from 1918 to modern
times through their eyes. Free with paid parking ($5). For more
information, visit FirstDivisionMuseum.org or call 630.260.8187.
26
Vintage Base Ball Match
Parade Field, 12 pm
Enjoy an afternoon of America’s pastime as it looked and
was played more than 100 years ago! The rules of 1858 will apply
as the home team DuPage Plowboys take on the barnstorming St.
Louis Unions in a spirited match of skill and sportsmanship. Free
with paid parking ($5). For more information, visit FirstDivisionMuseum.org
or call 630.260.8187.
Free Concert: R-Gang
Bandshell, 3 pm
R-Gang specializes in R&B music from the Motown era through
the 90’s. The band’s musical expertise and showmanship
combine for exciting entertainment the whole family will enjoy.
Lawn seating; chairs and blankets welcome. Free with paid parking
($5). For more information, visit FirstDivisionMuseum.org or call
630.260.8187.
27
Free Concert: Steve Cooper Orchestra
Bandshell, 3 pm
Enjoy one of the most popular ballroom bands in the Midwest at
this special Memorial Day performance! The Steve Cooper Orchestra
specializes in big band favorites but also plays rock & roll
tunes (in ballroom style) and songs from current Broadway shows
and popular movies. Lawn seating; chairs and blankets welcome.
Free with paid parking ($5). information, visit FirstDivisionMuseum.org
or call 630.260.8187.
June
9
Free Concert:
The Jay Witcher Orchestra
Bandshell, 3 pm
Founded in 1999, this group features some of the finest musicians
in the Chicago area. If swing is your thing, don’t miss
this special performance! Lawn seating; chairs and blankets welcome.
Free with paid parking ($5). information, visit FirstDivisionMuseum.org
or call 630.260.8187.
15-16
“Art in Bloom” Fine Art Festival
10-4 pm
Come to Cantigny for one of the park’s biggest events of
the year and a Father’s Day tradition. Art in Bloom will
feature a juried art show, more than 75 exhibiting artists, activities
and crafts, demonstrations, live music, great food and more! Free
with paid parking ($5). information, visit FirstDivisionMuseum.org
or call 630.260.8187.
20
Evening Garden Walk
Visitors Center, 6:30 pm
Celebrate one of the longest days of the year by joining a guided
stroll with Craig Kruckenberg and Joy Kaminsky from Cantigny Horticulture.
This is one of best times of year and one of the best times of
day to see the park’s renowned gardens. Advance registration
is requested at Cantigny.org or 630.260.8162. Free with paid parking
($2).
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