Liberty in Action Challenge
September 6; 12:00 — 4:00 pm
The Liberty in Action Challenge is Scouting America’s initiative celebrating the 250th anniversary of the US, continuing their tradition of civic service. Scouts are invited to connected the founding ideals to modern society and real-world experiences.
Cub Scouts can earn their Liberty in Action Challenge emblem at this event on Sunday, September 6. Make your our messenger pouch, plays games from the 1700s, and learn about local history at the Des Plaines History Center. Cub Scouts will earn the entire patch.
Register today on Black Pug: scoutingevent.com/456-118582.
Fall Fest
September 18 — 20
Fall Fest at Lake Opeka returns for its 17th year! You will not want to miss the three days of family-friendly fun and free concerts!
Read more on the Fall Fest website at DesPlainesFallFest.org.
Ernest Shackleton and the Heroic Age of Antarctic Exploration
September 23; 1:30 — 3:00 pm
At the moment, the September Coffee Talk is full. If you would like to join the waitlist, please call us at 847-391-5399 or email us at contact@desplaineshistory.org.
Ken Levine will discuss Ernest Shackleton's life and his four expeditions to the Antarctic. What makes his lectures different from others is that he includes various tidbits about some of the other members of his expeditions. Some of these members are well known (Frank Wild and Frank Worsely) and some are not (William Bakewell). Levine has been to Antarctica four times and visited museums and other exhibitions about this subject in England, Wales, Scotland, Ireland, Norway, Argentina, Chile, Australia and New Zealand.
The 2026 Coffee Talk Series is generously supported by Village Bank & Trust.
Chicago: Shaping the Airline Industry
October 21; 1:30 — 3:00 pm
This Coffee Talk with Michael Haupt uncovers the critical role Chicago played in forming the airline industry not just for the United States but worldwide. See how Chicago's influence expanded beyond national borders to establish standards worldwide.
The 2026 Coffee Talk Series is generously supported by Village Bank & Trust.