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Lynn Rymarz, a well-known and talented portrayer of historic women, will visit the Mount Prospect Historical Society’s historic Central Schoolhouse, 103 S. Maple St., at 1 p.m. on Saturday, June 1, 2024 for a first-person presentation on the life of Lady Churchill, a New York socialite who married into the upper echelons of British society and became the mother of Sir Winston Churchill.

Attendees will enjoy tea, pastries and fruit during the presentation.

The year was 1917. America had just entered World War I and socialite Jennie Jerome married

Sir Randolph Churchill and became a part of the inner circle of the royal family during Queen Victoria’s reign.

Step back in time and see the world through Lady Randolph Churchill’s eyes. Hear how this independent-minded New York socialite left her mark on British society by writing plays, books, articles and political speeches for her husband and even publishing a British magazine.

Learn also how she influenced Winston and watched his rise in British politics. Historical letters, books and photographs will be shared.

Rymarz has entertained audiences with her portrayals of historical women since 2005. As a children’s author and storyteller, she enjoys sharing little-known historical stories. Her performances have included Mary Lincoln, Martha Washington, Susan B. Anthony, Mary Surratt, Nellie Bly, The Unsinkable Margaret Brown, Mary Cassatt, Zelda Fitzgerald and Julia Child.

Cost of the tea is $20 for Society members and $25 for non-members. Take note that attendance is limited to 45 people, ages 18 and over. Advance registration is required and there are no refunds.  Visit www.mtphist.org/afternoon-teas/ to register.

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.

Registration is now closed.

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, 2024 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 2024, 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, 2024 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, please click here to register. Registration is limited.

The MPHS Book Club delves into historical works and meets on designated dates at 7:00 pm in Central School (103 S. Maple St.). Free to attend, donations always welcome!

Thursday, May 8, 2025 at 7pm – Pick Your Favorite of Mike Royko’s work!
Mike Royko wrote over 7500 columns in various Chicago newspapers, and for over 30 years, was lovingly discussed (or shredded apart) over the breakfast table.  Read columns starring his mythical friend Slats Grobnik, and remind yourself what a Chicago accent really sounded like.  Read “Boss” to dig into Mayor Daley’s Chicago machine.  Enjoy not-politically correct humor with his columns on dwarf tossing, or take on the politically and economically important people with his incisive wit and courage.  

Select one or more excerpts that you find hilarious, horrifying, still relevant, or didn’t age well.  Revisiting an old friend (or enemy) is an interesting way to understand how our tastes have changed (or not).

If you’re looking for a place to start, the Mount Prospect Public Library carries many of his books.  The Sun-Times and the Chicago Tribune have some of his columns as well.

• The Mount Prospect Public Library carries many of his books.
• Go to the Sun-Times or the Chicago Tribune websites and read a few of his columns  

Click Here to Register

Join us for our exciting evening craft series for adults 18+ with instructors Laurie Roubitchek or Jill Tumberger! Check out our 2025 schedule – detailed class information to come!

Limit 15 attendees per class; no refunds.

Flower Arrangement “Frog”
Arranging cut flowers can be a challenge! But that difficulty can be largely alleviated by the use of a “flower frog” which gives you places to insert stems for a stunning arrangement. Flower “frogs” keep your flowers in place and can be used repeatedly. In this class, you will learn how to make your own “frog.” Bring to the class the vase you would like your “frog” to fit. (Please note this class is just the preparation of the frog and does not involve flower arranging.)
• Wednesday, May 7, 2025 at 7:00 pm
• Location: Central School (103 S. Maple Street)
• Fee: $10
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Container Flower Garden
Local garden virtuoso Jill Tumberger will reprise her popular class in the Society’s Education Center on the 101 S. Maple St. campus.  She will provide a variety of healthy, beautiful plants which are tailored to the local environment and teach students how to plant them for the best look and longest life.  Everyone will go home with their own personally-planted pot to adorn their front step, patio table, or deck for months to come!  Pot, soil, and plants are included in the cost of the class.
• Wednesday, May 28th, 2025 at 6:00pm
• Location: Education Center (located on the 101 S. Maple St. campus)
• Fee: $60
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Dried Flower Candle
• Wednesday, August 27, 2025 at 7:00pm
• Location: Central School (103 S. Maple Street)
• Fee: $10
Registration available soon

Yarn Christmas Tree
• Wednesday, November 19, 2025 at 7:00pm
• Location: Central School (103 S. Maple Street)
• Fee: $10
Registration available soon

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 2025!

All teas will begin at 1:00 p.m. in Central School (103 S. Maple Street). Doors will open at 12:45 pm.
Cost of each tea is $25 for MPHS members and $30 for non-members.

No refunds.  Must register in advance – no walk-ins.
Adults 18+, Limit 36 attendees

May 31, 2025
Zelda Fitzgerald
Presented by Lynn Rymarz
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

November 1, 2025
Cleopatra
Presented by Martina Mathisen
*Registration not yet available*