Deep Roots of the Prairie State
Illinois Archaeology: The Deep Roots of the Prairie State
January 14 through February 19, 2026
We are thrilled to bring this extraordinary traveling exhibit to Des Plaines. Featuring multiple displays that provide a concise look at where and how people lived in Illinois over the past 12,500 years, it highlights how factors like conflict, climate change, and new technology influenced the lives of those communities. Visitors can explore these changes through the archaeological evidence people left behind, including cooking pits that reveal the diets of people who lived in Illinois centuries ago. Read more here.
Coffee Talk: Deep Roots of the Prairie State
Our presenter, from the Illinois State Archaeological Survey, provides expert insight and shares stories about the artifacts in the traveling exhibit Illinois Archaeology: The Deep Roots of the Prairie State on display in the Gallery from January 14 through February 19. This fascinating exhibit explores where and how people have lived in Illinois for the past 12,500 years. It examines the archaeological evidence and what it reveals about how factors such as climate change and new technology altered the way people lived. The History Center is pleased to host this important exhibit for the first time in Des Plaines.
Registration is required.
• Coffee Talks are always free for members. Register via email. Or call 847-391-5399.
• Nonmembers are $10. Register via email. Pay online HERE, or pay at the door.
Read more about this wonderful traveling exhibit. Click Here.
Coffee Talk: Morristown: The Darkest Winter of the Revolutionary War and the Plot to Kidnap George Washington
In the fall of 1779 George Washington took his 10,000 men into winter camp at Morristown, New Jersey after six long years of fighting. It would be a brutal winter of suffering, depression, starvation, betrayal, mutiny, treason and an attempt to kidnap George Washington by the British.
By the spring only 8,000 men would be left in Morristown with less than two thirds fit for service. Books have cemented Valley Forge as one with Omaha Beach, the Death March of Bataan, and Washington crossing the Delaware.
But the winter of Valley Forge was mild in comparison to other winters. Temperatures did not plummet to unheard levels and snowfall was normal. And the men were not starving on the scale that would later follow at Morristown. The winter of 1779 to 1780 was the worst in a century and would mark Washington’s darkest hour where he contemplated the army coming apart from lack of food and, money, six years of war, desertions, mutiny, the threat of a devastating attack by the British, and incredibly, a plot to kidnap him.
And yet Morristown would mark a turning point. After a long winter of suffering, he was joined by Lafayette in May who promised Washington a second fleet of French support, leading to the final defeat of the British in 1783.
Mollie's War
Author Cyndee Shaffer uses excerpts from letters her mother, Mollie Weinstein Schaffer, wrote home during World War II to provide a romantic yet frightening glimpse into the life of a woman in uniform during this crucial time in history. The 150,000 women who served in the Women’s Army Corps are now seen as undersung heroes of the Second World War. This memoir describes Mollie's life as a WAC enlistee, serving in England when it came under attack, in France immediately after the Allied invasion, and in Germany after VE Day. From her experiences during basic training in Daytona Beach to the climactic moment when she saw the Statue of Liberty as her ship approached American shores upon her return home, this work provides a glimpse into the life of a woman in uniform during this crucial time in American history.
Registration is required.
Coffee Talks are free for members. Please use this link to register via email.
Coffee Talks are $10 for nonmembers. Please use this link to register via email.
Nonmembers may pay in advance online or at the door on the day of the event.
Coffee Talk: Christmas in the Trenches
Step into the trenches of World War I this December with nationally known historic interpreter Ernie Klapmeier, portraying a soldier’s life at Christmastime. Explore the extraordinary Christmas Truce of 1914 and subsequent trench Christmases, when the brutalities of war made peace unthinkable. Authentic artifacts, including an antique pistol and a non-firing Vickers machine gun, bring the harsh realities of the Western Front vividly to life.
A volunteer with the Coldstream Guards Living History Museum in Aurora, Klapmeier has traveled the country bringing to life the stories of American and British soldiers from the 1800s to today.
Coffee Talks are free for members. MEMBERS PLEASE CLICK HERE TO REGISTER ONLINE.
Coffee Talks are $10 for non-members. NON-MEMBERS PLEASE CLICK HERE TO REGISTER.
TO PAY ONLINE, PLEASE CLICK HERE AND PUT DECEMBER COFFEE TALK IN THE MESSAGE BOX.
Non-members can also pay at the door on the day of the event.
This Coffee Talk is presented at the History Center, 781 Pearson St. Map & Directions
Video of Ernie Klapmeier discussing the
340th Encampment at EAA AirVenture in 2024
Historic Trolley Tours
Winter Fair at Des Plaines Public Library - Saturday, Dec. 6 | 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
The City of Des Plaines is excited for its fourth annual Winter Fair! Shop your way through the indoor artisan market featuring local makers and hop on a trolley to experience a historic tour of the City with the volunteers and staff of the Des Plaines History Center as your guides. You’ll have an additional chance to post your letter to the North Pole at our mailbox and submit name ideas for the Name a Snowplow contest!
The mitten tree will be available for donations of new hats, gloves, mittens and scarves of all sizes. Nonperishable food donations for the Des Plaines Self Help Closet and Pantry are welcome. Please visit their website for a list of current most needed items.
Trolley Tours
Advance registration is required for the trolley tours. Once tours reach capacity, a waitlist option will become available. Registration will open November 1, 2025. Please follow this link to register.
Sign up for one of six 45-minute trolley tours that will begin and end at Library Plaza in Des Plaines. Hop on board and get ready to discover the rich history and fascinating stories that make Des Plaines so special. Grab your friends and family and join the History Center as you embark on this journey through Des Plaines!
Please note:
Seats are limited, and pre-registration is required.
Limit your sign-ups to less than 6 people per group.
Check-in is required 20 minutes prior to your tour time. Step inside the library at 1501 Ellinwood St., Des Plaines, and head to the Winter Fair Information Desk on the first floor in front of the program rooms. You will get your boarding ticket there.
All riders must sign a required waiver to participate at check-in.
The trolley cannot accommodate child car seats, strollers, walkers, or wheelchairs. There are no seat belts in the trolley.
Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Parking is available in the Library Parking Garage, 1448 E. Prairie Ave. in Des Plaines
Winter Fair Artisans
Shop from a variety of artisans at the Winter Fair inside the Des Plaines Public Library (1501 Ellinwood St.). Delicious treats, handmade products, jewelry, and more will be available for purchase. The market will be open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Vendors will accept a variety of payment methods (cash, card, Venmo, PayPal, etc.). Check back often as we will continue to add participating artisans!
Handmade by Jacki - Handmade clay earrings and greeting cards
Soapie Squad - Handcrafted soap, shower steamers, lotion, and more
SimplyBySam - Holiday signs, ornaments, and custom paintings
JD Steiner Art & Story - Hand painted art, upcycled furnishings, books, and more
The Pretzel Place - Hand dipped chocolate covered pretzels
Nicole Paulette Creations - Handcrafted jewelry, ornaments, magnets, and more
Jeanne's Jewels - Handmade jewelry, suncatchers, and ornaments
Angels and Dragons Emporium - Candles, jewelry, incense, crystals, and more
Parking
Free parking is available in the Des Plaines Public Library Parking Garage (1448 E. Prairie Ave.).
Holiday Lighting Cermony
Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony at Metropolitan Square
Join the City of Des Plaines for live entertainment, a special appearance by Santa, and admire the trees decorated by local community groups. Don’t forget to drop off your letter to the North Pole at our mailbox!
The mitten tree will be available for donations of new hats, gloves, mittens and scarves of all sizes.
Nonperishable food donations for the Des Plaines Self Help Closet and Pantry are welcome.
Please visit their website for a list of current most needed items.
Featured fun and entertainment:
Say hi and snap a photo with Santa (and the Grinch!)
Roasted Chestnuts provided by the History Center
Name a Des Plaines snowplow contest (2024 winner: Clearopatha)
Hot Chocolate from the Salvation Army
Drop off your letter at Santa’s mailbox
Variety of activities sponsored by local organizations
Glow products will be available for purchase
Food
Takito Grill, Potbelly Sandwich Shop, Giordano's, KOW Korean BBQ, and 5th Ave Sushi have restaurants in Metropolitan Square.
There will also be Food Trucks.
Schedule of events:
4 p.m. Students and community groups decorate holiday trees in the Square
4 - 6:30 p.m. Food Trucks will have food available for purchase
4:30 – 6:15 p.m. Live performances on stage
4:45 p.m. Santa arrives in grand style
6:30 p.m. The tree is lit for the season by elected officials
Parking
Free parking is available in the Metropolitan Square Parking Garage (entrances off Lee St. and Miner St.) and the Civic Center Garage (behind City Hall).
History Center Closes at 3:00p
We close at 3:00p today to get ready for the Holiday Lighting Ceremony in Metropolitan Square. See you there for roasted chestnuts!
Coffee Talk: Carl Sandburg, Poet of the People
Award-winning singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Barry Cloyd weaves together Carl Sandburg’s poetry, stories of Lincoln, and American folksongs, including some of Cloyd’s original material, to bring to life one of America’s best loved poets.
Coffee Talks are free for members. MEMBERS PLEASE CLICK HERE TO REGISTER ONLINE.
Coffee Talks are $10 for non-members. NON-MEMBERS PLEASE CLICK HERE TO REGISTER.
TO PAY ONLINE, PLEASE CLICK HERE AND PUT NOVEMBER COFFEE TALK IN THE MESSAGE BOX.
Non-members can also pay at the door on the day of the event.
Reception and Artists Q&A
ARTGUILD25
Des Plaines Art Guild Opening Reception and Q&A with the Artists.
NOTE: RSVPs are required for this reception. Via email or phone: 847-391-5399.
Des Plaines Art Guild Annual Show
ARTGUILD25
The annual exhibit of fine art by the members of the Des Plaines Art Guild. Don’t miss one of the most anticipated Gallery shows of the year!
— November 6–January 2 —
Opening reception, Artist Talk and Q&A on Thursday, November 6, 5:30–8:00p. • RSVP requested via email or call 847-391-5399.
Artist Reception
Meet the young artists whose work is in the Student Showcase show on the final day of the exhibit. Enjoy cookies and camaraderie while you view their wonderful pieces. Q&A with Rhonda Popko and the artists.
Coffee Talk: Hitchcock: The Master of Suspense
Usher in the spooky season at our October Coffee Talk, celebrating the Master of Suspense himself, Alfred Hitchcock! Join Film Historian Dr. Annette Bochenek for a discussion about Hitchcock's career, his memorable films, and his legacy.
Hitchcock revolutionized the thriller genre with his psychological depth, innovative camera work, and ability to keep audiences on the edge of their seats.
This talk includes a multimedia presentation with photos, video clips, and captivating stories—perfect for October chills and thrills!
NOTE: The October Coffee Talk is being presented at the Des Plaines Public Library. Map and directions
Doors open at 12:30p. The program will begin promptly at 1:00p. Woe be to those who arrive late.
These popular Coffee Talks are always free for History Center members. Non-members are $10, in advance or at the door.
To pay $10 in advance, please Click Here
REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED as space is limited and these talks quickly reach capacity. To reserve your seat(s), please email us at contact@desplaineshistory.org, or call 847-391-5399.
Our monthly Coffee Talk series is supported by sponsorships from Village Bank & Trust and the Kiwanis Club of Des Plaines.
Please consider a donation of any amount to help us sustain future programming.
Coffee Talk: French Colonial History in Illinois
Join us for a fascinating presentation and discussion of the French Colonial influences in early Illinois.Learn about the vast and often prosperous forts, churches, and villages that French explorers, soldiers, missionaries, merchants, and fur traders established between the mid-1600s and the War of 1812.Colonial History in Illinois: C’est français! Read more and register here.
Student Art Show
STUDENT SHOWCASE
Works from the Resident Artist Series at the Des Plaines Park District, with instructor Rhonda Popko. These wonderful pieces will be on display through the closing reception and artist Q&A on Oct 30. Come and be inspired!
Artist Reception
Closing reception for the Gallery exhibit Malcolm Mlodoch, Des Plaines—Past and Present.
Reception from 5:30–8:00. Artist talk and Q&A at 7:00p. Reservations to attend the reception are requested. Please email us at contact@desplaineshistory.org.
Family Day
Everyone is invited to enjoy a nostalgic summer afternoon at Family Day: Old-Fashioned Games & Ice Cream Social, on Sunday, August 24, from 1:00 to 4:00p.
Throughout the afternoon, families can drop in and take part in a variety of hands-on, history-inspired activities. Try your hand at vintage lawn games like croquet and graces, make your own ice cream in a bag, and churn butter in a jar—just like it was done in the early 1900s. The historic 1907 Kinder House Museum will be open for tours, offering a glimpse into everyday life in Des Plaines more than a century ago.
During the afternoon, we encourage you to explore two special exhibits located in the Education Center. The main exhibit, “Women in Des Plaines” highlights the contributions of local women in the 19th and 20th Centuries. In the Gallery, Malcolm Mlodoch: Des Plaines Past and Present, is a captivating new art exhibit of drawings and paintings highlighting iconic landmarks and hidden corners of Des Plaines through recent decades.
This event provides kids, families, and adults an opportunity to connect with the past and experience the ways people lived, worked, and played before modern conveniences.
A suggested donation of $10 per family is payable at the door, to support the Des Plaines History Center’s mission to preserve and share the stories of our community.
Pre-registration is recommended, but walk-ins will be welcomed as space allows. To register, call 847-391-5399 or email contact@desplaineshistory.org.
Coffee Talk: Maine Township Geography
Ever wonder why townships like ours exist—and how they got their start? Join Philip Mohr and explore the story of Maine Township, founded in 1850. Read more and register here.
National Night Out
This year’s event takes place on the Forest Elementary School and Algonquin Middle School grounds, Tuesday, August 5, 2025, from 5:00–8:00p. Map
The History Center will be there. Come see us!
City of Des Plaines specialty Fire Department and Police Department vehicles will be there: come learn all about what they do.
See K9 Jager show off his skills and check out a demonstration of the City’s Tactical Response Team.
The evening will also include games, activities and displays from lots of Des Plaines community groups.
There will be Food Trucks, so come hungry! There are a few picnic tables. You are welcome to bring lawn chairs and blankets.
Portable restrooms and indoor facilities will be available. NOTE: No alcohol is permitted on School District 62 property.
Food Truck Roundup
Everyone in the community is invited to attend! Play yard games, grab a bite to eat from one of the food trucks, and listen to live music by Justine Ewald beginning at 5:30 p.m. Limited seating is available. Attendees are welcome to bring lawn chairs. There will be a mini market with a variety of artisans in the Square. READ UPDATES HERE
Parking is available at the Metropolitan Square Parking Garage, Civic Center Garage, and the Des Plaines Public Library Garage. ADA parking spots are available in the Metropolitan Square Parking Garage.
Black Wings: Chicago's Pioneering African American Aviators
Long before the Tuskegee Airmen, African Americans in Chicago took flight breaking many barriers that kept them grounded. Aviation historian Michael Haupt, author of Aviation Chicago Timeline, introduces pioneering Black aviators Bessie Coleman, Cornelius Coffey, and John C. Robinson (or the Brown Condor) and others who shaped aviation prior to World War II. Chicago’s African American aviators broke through major obstacles, both inside and outside the U.S. Discover how their determination and achievements helped pave the way for greater diversity and inclusion in the aviation industry.
4th of July Parade
The annual Independence Day Parade is always a highlight of the Des Plaines community. Come out and watch as we proudly march down Center Street! READ MORE HERE
Malcolm Mlodoch— “Des Plaines, Past & Present”
We’re pleased to present this exhibit of drawings and paintings by Malcolm Mlodoch.
Malcolm Mlodoch grew up in Des Plaines. He began drawing and painting in 1981, creating plein air images of the
homes, building and streets that capture the character of old Des Plaines, much of which has since disappeared.
Mlodoch works in a variety of media, including pencil, ink, and oil, to create portraits of Des Plaines landmarks.
Much of his work is comprised of places and homes requested by friends.
The pieces in this exhibit are part of a body of work begun in 2019.
— The closing reception is Thursday, August 28, 5:30–8:00p, with an artist talk and Q&A at 7:00p. —
Des Plaines Drugs.
Independence Day Fireworks
Community fireworks will be on Sunday, June 29, at Oakton College in Des Plaines. Bring your blankets and lawn chairs to watch the fireworks extravaganza among your neighbors to celebrate the holiday! Dance to the DJ and play yard games with family and friends before the fireworks show illuminates the sky.
Admission is free.
This event is weather-dependent, and updates will be communicated through our Facebook page at facebook.com/cityofdesplaines.
No alcohol is permitted on Oakton property. Bringing pets to this event is strongly discouraged.
Gates open at 7 p.m. and the fireworks show begins at dusk (approximately 9:15 p.m.). Entry to Oakton College will be from Golf Rd. only. There is no parking allowed in the lanes, grassy areas, or unpaved areas on College or Circle Drives. ADA parking is available in Lot A. Please have your parking placard available to show the parking attendants upon arrival.
Food truck items and glow products will be available for purchase. Attendees are welcome to bring in food and non-alcoholic drinks from home, however, any food brought in should be ready to eat. Cooking food on-site will not be permitted. Check back soon for information on attending food trucks and menu offerings!
Die Geschichte des deutschen Chicago (The History of German Chicago)
NOTE: As of 3:30p on June 10 we have just 2 seats left for this Coffee Talk.
Educator and Historian Mike Haas of the DANK Haus German American Cultural Center explores the rich, surprising history of German Chicago. Learn how German immigrants shaped the city through events like the 1854 Lager Beer Riot, the Civil War, and the 1886 Haymarket Riot. Discover their influence on music, including the founding of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and on architecture—churches, schools, parks, and skyscrapers. Meet entrepreneurs like Ignaz Schwinn, Oscar Mayer, and Emil Brach, and stroll through Lincoln Avenue’s historic “Sauerkraut Boulevard,” from Old Town to Lincoln Square.
Community Pride Celebration
SPEAK Des Plaines, in partnership with the Des Plaines Clergy Alliance and Christ Church United Church of Christ, is hosting a Community Pride Celebration on Saturday, June 7, 2025. The event is free and open to all. Come see us at our tent! READ MORE HERE
Family Day at Lake Park
We’re bringing old fashioned games to this annual Park District event!
Kiwanis Cup Kids Race
Calling all kids in grades K–8 to the fourth annual KIWANIS CUP race around beautiful Lake Opeka! Read all about it on the Park District website.
58th Annual Members Meeting
58th Annual Members Meeting. Board elections; dinner, entertainment. Shoreline Room at the Lakeview Center, 1177 Howard Ave. RSVP by May 7 at contact@desplaineshistory.org, or 847-391-5399. Members are free. Non-members are $25. Read more HERE.
This year’s featured presentation, Edith: The Rogue Rockefeller McCormick, is a compelling living history performance and author talk, that brings to life one of the most fascinating and misunderstood women of the 20th century.
Hers was not a wonderful life … but had it never been, we may not have Brookfield Zoo, Chicago opera, James Joyce’s Ulysses, a cure for scarlet fever, and the popularity of Jungian psychoanalysis.
The daughter of oil tycoon John D. Rockefeller, Edith (1872-1932) married into the wealthy McCormick family and was once estimated to be the nation’s richest woman. She was a patron of the arts, a champion of science and health, and an unapologetically independent thinker. And yet, her life ended in financial ruin and isolation.
Historical interpreter Ellie Carlson steps into Edith’s shoes, while biographer Andrea Friederici Ross shares insights from her acclaimed book. Together, they illuminate the complex, often controversial legacy of this remarkable woman. Please join us for an insider’s look at Edith and to hear Edith’s “opinions” on how she has been portrayed by history.