| Current Exhibits and Upcoming Events | |
| Center for History Newsletter The Center for History is an amazing place to see, hear and explore our past. In 2012, thousands experienced history through fascinating programs and exhibits. They heard captivating stories about the Civil War, slavery, S.S. Eastland, golf, Wheaton celebrities, and our community. Learn about what we have been up to as well as what is upcoming at the Center in our latest newsletter. Read more > |
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War of the
Rebellion: On & Off the Battlefield Visitors will be transported back to the Civil War era beginning with a life size camp scene. The conflict between the states, brother against brother, comes to life in this 2,000 sq. ft. exhibition showcasing the museum’s Civil War and GAR (Grand Army of the Republic) collection. Each document and artifact helps tell the story of individuals who fought during this conflict between the states. Letters, war documents, accoutrements, medical instruments, period clothing, weapons, carte de vistes and tintype photographs, along with Captain Henry W. Chester’s hand painted 9’ map of his cavalry campaigns present a unique view of the hardships, bravery, and loneliness of a soldier and those left at home. Read more > |
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Wheaton’s Link
to Golf: Champions, Patents & Courses Right here in the Midwest, Wheaton, Illinois played an integral role in the development of golf. The most well know fact is Chicago Golf Club was the first 18-hole course in the nation followed by some knowledge of C. B Macdonald. But this exhibit reveals even more, an unprecedented history of golf in this suburban town which had 8 courses over the years, eight club and ball makers, five course designers, and three national champions. The Foulis and Horton brothers patented several pieces of golf equipment as did Ed Allen. All of these men worked at Chicago Golf Club as greenkeepers, professionals or caddies in the 1890s and early 1900s. Programs are offered on and off site to groups. Read more > |
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Disaster, Courage &
Silence Exhibit The ships taking Western Electric employees, their friends and families, on a company outing never left the docks of the Chicago River. Onlookers watched in disbelief as the SS Eastland capsized right before their eyes and 844 people perished, including 22 entire families. The story of the Eastland Disaster is not known to most even though it is Chicago’s greatest loss of life tragedy. This captivating exhibit, filled with photographs, artifacts and documents, will look at the people and the ship that made maritime history. The Center has the largest Eastland collection of memorabilia in the nation and offers programs on and off site to groups. Read more > |
