Oddities Night
Join us at the Arlington Heights Historical Museum for a Victorian Halloween gathering filled with drinks, bites and oddities! This adults-only event will also include a Tarot Card Reader, Magician, and spooky treats!
Forest Preserve Fall Festival
Celebrate the season with a special autumn fun day. Beekeeping demonstrations, animal encounters, pumpkin painting, honey sales, activities and more! Admission is free; there may be small fees for some activities and food is available to purchase.
Chicago: Shaping the Airline Industry
This Coffee Talk 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.
Trunk or Treat
Join us for a fun and festive Trunk or Treat event the whole family will enjoy. Wear your costume and go “door-to-door” visiting all of our decorated trunks and collecting Halloween treats. Registration is required for this event.
Railroad Ties Documentary Film Screening
Professionals from the Des Plaines History Center, the Mount Prospect Historical Society and the Arlington Heights Historical Museum have been collaborating since March to write the story of the development of the three communities along the train tracks which unite them. The fruits of their research have been assembled into an interesting and informative video program which will debut in each community this November. The video explores how the railroad, and access to it, shaped the development of each of these communities from small farming towns to the bustling suburbs of today.
Legacy of Marshall Fields
For over 150 years, Marshall Field and Company was Chicago’s store, run by the most innovative retailer of the 19th century. Chicago natives could easily identify a Field’s shopping bag at a hundred paces, and Chicago brides weren’t really getting married until they registered at Marshall Field and Company. Marshall Field and Company’s history is tightly entwined with that of Chicago. Most significant events in Chicago history have a Marshall Field and Company connection, including the Chicago Fire, the Eastland disaster, and the 1892 World’s Fair. Many of the city’s cherished institutions have been funded in part by Field dollars including the Field Museum, the Shedd Aquarium, the Art Institute of Chicago, the Chicago Historical Society (now known as the Chicago Historical Museum), the Museum of Science and Industry, and the UIC.
In this presentation, McHenry County College professor, Dr. Sarah Sullivan, will review the events, features, and personalities that made Marshall Field’s Chicago’s store.
Holiday Tree Lighting
The City gathers in Metropolitan Square for the annual Holiday Tree Lighting event, taking place the first Friday in December. Holiday cheer, live entertainment, photos with Santa, community groups, and more make up this festive event.
Winter Fair
The Winter Fair is an annual holiday artisan market featuring local makers who specialize in creating homemade gifts, art, sweet treats, and more.
The History Center offers trolley tours of the city. Spots sell out fast, so register quickly when tickets opens in November.
Rising Up from Indian Country Coffee Talk
The Battle of Fort Dearborn took place in August 1812, as 94 settlers evacuated from Fort Dearborn and were attacked by the local Potawatomi. Historian Ann Keating tells a story not only of military conquest but of the lives of people on all sides of the conflict. She highlights such figures as Jean Baptiste Point de Sable and John Kinzie and demonstrates that early Chicago was a place of cross-cultural reliance among the French, the Americans, and the Native Americans.
Community Bike Ride and Walk
Join Bike Walk Des Plaines for their annual family-friendly bike ride and celebration. The event returns this fall with an extra option to take a short hike in the woods. The Des Plaines History Center is proud to be a sponsor.
“Voicing Our Veterans’ Stories” Opening Reception
“Voicing Our Veterans’ Stories” explores critical moments in a service member’s journey: boot camp, traditions, camaraderie, homecoming, and the lasting effects that come with military service. Throughout the exhibit, local veterans will share their stories about military service with you in their own words, covering history from the Civil War to the Global War on Terror.
Sir Ernest Shackleton and the Heroic Age of Antarctic Exploration
Ken Levine will discuss 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 timesand visited museums and other exhibitions about this subject in England, Wales, Scotland, Ireland, Norway, Argentina, Chile, Australia and New Zealand.
Fall Fest
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.
Our Land Between the Rivers, Illinois in Story & Song
Barry Cloyd is an award winning songwriter as well as a full-time touring musician with a special love for the history and music of our own Midwest. This newly commissioned program begins with a whirlwind trip back through time to the early days of the origins of our State and where it's name came from, the Illiniwek Nation of Native Americans. All this amazing history will be presented with songs that are germane to the period, traditional and original performed on guitar & 5-string banjo.
Food Truck Round Up
We’ll wrap up the 2026 Food Truck Round Up series with a final gathering at Library Plaza (1501 Ellinwood St.). Grab a bite to eat from the food trucks, draw on the chalk wall, and enjoy live music by Griffin Crowder beginning at 5:30 p.m. Limited picnic table seating is available, and attendees are welcome to bring lawn chairs.
Books & Boba with the Des Plaines Library
Join the Des Plaines Public Library to talk books and tv shows at the Des Plaines History Center; specifically, The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins!
Networking After Hours: Celebrate with a Picnic
Join us as we come together to celebrate a great American past time, a summer picnic, with our Des Plaines Chamber members (families are welcome)! Matt Aldmeyer, owner of Matt's Mobile Meats will be firing up his grill with some great grub! Enjoy outdoor games, tour the Des Plaines History Center and Kinder House Museum or just hang out and have a great time!
National Night Out
This event takes place every August and fosters community connection among our first responders and Des Plaines residents. National Night Out typically includes specialty Fire and Police Department vehicles, K9 Jager, a demonstration from our Tactical Response Team, food trucks, live entertainment, and activities and displays from local community groups.
History Huddle
Join us at the Des Plaines Public Library this summer for our bi-monthly drop-in History Huddle program! Perfect for parents looking for family-friendly fun their kids this summer. We will host quick, drop-in, interactive activities and crafts that will expose kids to history in a fun way.
Picnic with the Kinders!
Celebrate our past with your family!
Tour the Kinder House
Learn to make butter and ice cream
Play vintage yard games
Pose for an old-timey family portrait
Explore the Flora, Fauna, & Us ecology exhibit
Food in the Midwest: More Interesting Than You May Think
The history of the Midwest is remarkable for many reasons, not least of which is the diversity of its population, and therefore of its regional cuisine. Between 1850 and 1910, the Midwest grew faster than any other region in history. Migrants from China, Europe, Mexico, and other regions of the U.S. brought traditions, which mixed and evolved. The food culture of a region famed for abundance became hard to define (but worth exploring) because of its diversity.
History Huddle
Join us at the Des Plaines Public Library this summer for our bi-monthly drop-in History Huddle program! Perfect for parents looking for family-friendly fun their kids this summer. We will host quick, drop-in, interactive activities and crafts that will expose kids to history in a fun way.
Fourth of July Party
Celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence with the Des Plaines History Center! The Des Plaines History Center is hosting a big Fourth of July birthday party right after the parade. Join us for historic yard games, ice cream, self-guided tours of the Kinder House, and much more! A public reading of the Declaration of Independence with local officials will be at 11:30 am. Bring your entire family for a fun event taking you back to the early days of our Republic.
Independence Day Parade
This beloved tradition includes community floats, live music and strolling entertainment. The parade is a great way to enjoy the holiday with neighbors and is fun for the whole family. We are eager to celebrate with you all!
The parade will step off at 10 a.m. on Saturday, July 4, at the intersection of Center Street and Wicke Avenue.
The parade will proceed north on Center to Prairie Ave., will head east on Prairie and then disband at Prairie and Pearson St., right outside of the History Center.
After the parade, visit the History Center and Kinder Hours for activities, exhibits, and tours.
History Huddle
Join us at the Des Plaines Public Library this summer for our bi-monthly drop-in History Huddle program! Perfect for parents looking for family-friendly fun their kids this summer. We will host quick, drop-in, interactive activities and crafts that will expose kids to history in a fun way.
5th Annual Des Plaines Community Pride Celebration
Join us on Saturday, June 20 from 1 to 5 pm for the 5th Annual Des Plaines Community Pride Celebration at Trinity Lutheran Church!
Taste of Des Plaines
Taste of Des Plaines is a summer street festival that appeals to all ages with two stages for live entertainment, inflatable games and activities, beer tents, local food vendors and more!
Come and listen to live music beginning at 5 p.m. on Friday. Kick off your summer with us by grabbing a bite to eat and listening to live music at Taste of Des Plaines!
The Historic Alexander Robinson Family Native American Cemetery: A Discussion of Site Chronology, Landscape, and Vandalism Coffee Talk
Learn about the Native American chief, Chief Alexander Robinson, and his family who lived in the area before Des Plaines from his family historian, Dan Melone.
Town Hall with State Representatives
State Representatives Michelle Mussman and Justin Cochran are presenting a town hall at the Des Plaines History Center on June 16!
Do you have any questions about policies and bills from the General Assembly? Join them at 6 to 8 pm and hear the latest updates on the past legislative session in Springfield.
History Huddle
Join us at the Des Plaines Public Library this summer for our bi-monthly drop-in History Huddle program! Perfect for parents looking for family-friendly fun their kids this summer. We will host quick, drop-in, interactive activities and crafts that will expose kids to history in a fun way.
Sip & Stroll Into Summer
Sip and shop local. Explore the downtown business district plus more outside vendors will be on the route! Registration and Meet up/Prize Drawings will be held at the Des Plaines Theatre! Opened to Des Plaines Chamber Members and to the public!
Library Summer Reading Kickoff Party
All ages. No registration required. Join us in celebrating the start of the 2025 Summer Reading Challenge!
Iension - Carousel of Science
Family Day at Lake Park
Come out to Lake Park and enjoy live entertainment, inflatables, food trucks, paddle boats, kayaking, sailing on the lake, and golfing hosted by the Des Plaines Park District!
59th Annual Member's Meeting
You are cordially invited to join the Des Plaines History Center for the 59th Annual Member’s Meeting on May 20, 5:30 to 9:00 p.m, in the River Room at the Golf Center in Des Plaines.
The Women: A Story of Two Army Nurses in Vietnam Coffee Talk
Join Storyteller and Author Lynn Rymarz as she weaves the fictional story of Army Nurse Frances McGrath from The Women by Kristin Hannah and the true story of Army Nurse Lynda Van Devanter from her memoir Home Before Morning.