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. $10 for non-members.
CLICK HERE to register via email, or call 847-391-5399
Non-members can pay in advance online HERE or at the door.

This Coffee Talk will be presented at the History Center.
781 Pearson Street Map & Directions

Video of Ernie Klapmeier discussing the
340th Encampment at EAA AirVenture in 2024