Classes meet on the driveway outside of the Dolores Haugh Education Center. (located behind the museum at 101 S. Maple Street)
Each program costs $25 and is open to kids ages 7 and up. Space is limited. Registration is non-refundable.
Breaking News
MOUNT PROSPECT HISTORICAL SOCIETY OFFERS MONTHLY ‘BESSIE’S WORKBASKET’ CRAFT CLASSES FOR ADULTS
Have you ever seen a beautiful, unique craft or piece of needlework and wondered how you could ever learn to make something like that?
For the past two years Mount Prospect Historical Society volunteers Martha Nelson and Nancy Corry have been teaching crafts from around the world once a month to enthusiastic adult students and have developed quite a following. In fact, they are now offering their classes both in the morning, from 10 a.m. to noon, and in the evening, from 7 to 9 p.m., on the second Wednesday of each month in Central School, 103 S. Maple St., Mount Prospect.
Participants have created fleece blankets for Project Linus, a non-profit organization that provides handmade blankets to children who are seriously ill, traumatized or otherwise in need; woven rugs, trivets and small baskets for themselves from old t-shirts; made coasters using the Japanese sashiko stitchery technique; and much more.
All experience levels are welcome to attend and try each month’s spotlight project for $10. Advance registration is recommended.
For instance, on Feb. 14 they will be learning to “Knit Like a Viking.” Trichinopoly or Viking knitting makes a filigree cord out of metal! Early examples of this ancient technique were found in 8th-century Scandinavian burial sites, and the design is still fashionable today. They will make a bracelet using simple tools and wire.
In March, the group will be making wool hook “mug rugs” (like coasters). In the 19th century, women used every bit of fabric to make something useful. They made quilts, rugs for the floor and hangings for the walls. Learn how to take recycled wool strips and make something useful!
Then, on April 10 they will be making a bookmark using a bargello pattern. Bargello is a type of needlepoint embroidery consisting of upright flat stitches laid in a mathematical pattern to create motifs. The name originates from a series of chairs found in the Bargello Palace in Florence that have a “flame stitch” pattern.
Traditionally, Bargello was stitched in wool on canvas. Embroidery done this way is remarkably durable. It is well suited for use on pillows, upholstery and even carpets, but not for clothing. In most traditional pieces, all stitches are vertical with stitches going over two or more threads. Traditional designs are very colorful, and use many hues of one color, which produces intricate shading effects. The patterns are naturally geometric.
Punch needle coasters, candlewicking, ribbon embroidery, quilling and Temari balls are also in the plans.
To peruse the craft offerings and register, visit www.mtphist.org/bessies-workbasket/. Registration is limited.
Vanished Mount Prospect
Vanished Mount Prospect is a new video series (2024) highlighting places that are gone but not forgotten.
MPHS Book Club
Thursday, May 16 at 7:00 pm
Central School (103 S. Maple Street)
Cost: Suggested donation of $5
What’s it like to be a historian? We’ll find out at our inaugural Book Club meeting with Emily Dattilo, local author and Director of the Mount Prospect Historical Society. We’ll discuss her new book, “Mount Prospect Historic Sites” and find out about her process for building the Museum’s collection, cataloging and organizing artifacts and data, and creating a story about the first hundred years of our history. What should be included in the collection? What makes an artifact historical? How should citizen historians participate in identifying and appreciating local history? Bring your curiosity to participate in a lively discussion about our Village.
Materials:
Book
Mount Prospect Historic Sites, by Emily A. Dattilo. Autographed copies of this book are available for purchase online or in-person at the Mount Prospect Historical Society. You can purchase your copy here. Three copies are also available at the Mount Prospect Public Library. You can also find copies of this book anywhere books are sold.
Maps
Please familiarize yourself with the Eggleston map (see map #1, also on page 69 of the Historic Sites book.) The other maps show how our area evolved: first as lightly populated farmland, the powerful change after a new train line was built, and finally the rapid mid-century growth by incorporating surrounding farms.
- https://www.idaillinois.org/digital/collection/p16614coll26/id/217/ Ezra Eggleston map, 1873
- https://pastmaps.com/explore/us/il/cook/mount-prospect – need to create a free account. Use the transparency slider in the top left of the map to see how the older maps match today’s Google map.
- https://www.loc.gov/item/2013593073/ Map of the Counties of Cook and DuPage, the east part of Kane and Kendall, the north part of Will, state of Illinois, created and published by Chicago, Il, James H. Rees, 1851. ******
- https://www.loc.gov/item/2013593075/ Cook County map from 1861. Downtown Mount Prospect straddles Wheeling Township and Elk Grove Township, section 33
- https://www.loc.gov/item/2013593088/ Snyder’s real estate map of Cook County, Illinois indexed, 1886, Mount Prospect shown in inset.
- https://www.loc.gov/item/2013593076/ Snyder’s real estate map of Cook and Dupage Counties, Illinois., 1890
- https://www.loc.gov/item/98688467/ Galbraith’s railway mail service maps, Illinois, 1897 – look at the Cook County inset in the lower left corner.
- https://www.loc.gov/item/sanborn01790_068/ Sanborn Fire Insurance Map from Chicago, Cook County, Illinois., 1924 – Mount Prospect houses Read the first image for the color key explaining the different structures. Mount Prospect is on slides 32 – 37, images 29 -34
- https://ngmdb.usgs.gov/topoview/viewer/#4/40.01/-100.06 and search for “Mount Prospect, IL” Similar results to the Past Maps site.
- https://history.wilmettelibrary.info/2487821/image/1394360 tMap Indian Trails and Village of Chicago and of Cook, Dupage and Will Counties, Illinois, Albert F Scharf, 1900-1901.
Order Your Pandemic Books Today
When a terrifying new illness – COVID-19 – struck the United States in early 2020, the Directors of the Mount Prospect Historical Society responded by carefully documenting the local Mount Prospect “pandemic experience.”
Now this incredible treasure trove of information is being printed in a hardcover, 180-page book for researchers and history lovers of the future. Within the book you will find a wealth of photos and memories from fellow residents, neighbors and friends that illustrate this important moment in Mount Prospect’s history.
There are stories about how restaurateurs to nurses to ministers to funeral directors continued to do their jobs, as well as how politicians, teachers and schoolchildren coped in one Midwestern community. The Society also received permission from The Daily Herald newspaper to reprint articles which dealt with local people and events, as well as state and national news about how the pandemic was being handled.
“This book is dedicated to making sure memories of this traumatic time in Mount Prospect never fade and will serve as a record of our shared experience,” Frank Corry, President of the Society, added.
Individuals may order it for their personal collections. It will only be available to those who order by December 31, 2023 (with delivery in early 2024). The cost will be $25 plus shipping.
Ordering is now closed. If you purchased a book and chose local pickup, you will receive an email when your order is ready. We anticipate orders being ready sometime in January.
Evening Creations
Join us for a new and exciting quarterly evening craft series for adults 18+!
All sessions will be held at 6:30 p.m. in the Mount Prospect Historical Society Education Center. (located behind the Dietrich Friedrichs House Museum at 101 S. Maple Street)
Limit 15 attendees per class; no refunds.
All Summer Long Container Flower Garden
Tuesday, May 28 and Thursday, May 30
Instructor: Jill Tumberger, Container Designer
Cost: $60
Learn new flower design ideas and create a perfect flower container that is beautifully balanced to last all summer long. The pot, soil, fertilizer and sun annuals are provided. Bring your gardening gloves and tools. While you’re at it, why not ask a friend to join you for this fun and creative workshop.
Vintage Book Wreaths
Monday, September 23
Instructor: Linda Burns/Laurie Roubitchek
Learn how to make a beautiful and unique book page wreath from an unwanted old book. All supplies will be provided but if you have a favorite unwanted old book and/or decoration for the wreath center, bring it along.
Registration for the January 22nd class is now closed.
Afternoon Teas
Join us for a delightful afternoon tea and a history-themed presentation at the Mount Prospect Historical Society. We are offering three exciting programs in 2024!
All teas will begin at 1:00 p.m. in Central School (103 S. Maple Street).
Cost of each tea is $20 for MPHS members and $25 for non-members.
No refunds. Must register in advance – no walk-ins.
Adults 18+, Limit 45 attendees
February 17, 2024
Barbie: The History of America’s Most Famous Doll
Presented by Leslie Goddard
Sold out. Call 847-392-9006 to join waitlist.
She might be the most famous doll in the world. For more than sixty years, Barbie has been played with, analyzed, collected, criticized and loved. In this illustrated lecture, historian Leslie Goddard delves into the history of Barbie and her inventor, the passionately creative – and intensely competitive — Ruth Handler. Learn what inspired Handler to develop Barbie in 1959, how Barbie helped make Mattel one of the world’s most successful toy companies, and what Barbie’s impact has been on American culture.
June 1, 2024
Lady Churchill: On Being Winston’s Mother
Presented by Lynn Rymarz
Step back in time and see the world through Lady Randolph Churchill’s eyes. Discover her life before she became Winston Churchill’s mother. Hear how this independent-minded New York socialite, Jennie Jerome, married into England’s high society, how she left her mark on British society, and learn how she influenced Winston while watching his rise in British politics.
November 9, 2024
Sacagawea Adventures with Lewis and Clark
Presented by Martina Mathisen
Who was Sacagawea? In this engaging, interactive, history experience, become immersed in Sacagawea’s life, her experiences, and her incredible journey into the Louisiana Purchase as the companion of explorers Lewis and Clark. Learn more about this Lemhi Shoshone tribeswoman and what an indispensable part of the most significant journey in U.S. history she was.
Blacksmith Demo
Our popular blacksmith demo is back! Join us at 101 S. Maple Street on Saturday, October 21 between 11 am and 3 pm to see our new blacksmiths, Solomon and Peter, in action. This event is free and no registration is necessary.