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Mount Prospect Historical Society

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Events

December 30, 2024

“Lucille Ball” Scheduled to Visit the Mount Prospect Historical Society

Leslie Goddard as Lucille Ball
Leslie Goddard as Lucille Ball

Leslie Goddard, 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, February 15, 2025 for a first-person presentation on the life of comedienne Lucille Ball.

Attendees will enjoy tea, pastries and other treats during the presentation. 

In the 1950s, Lucille Ball captured the hearts of television audiences across the nation.  Her wacky hijinks and fearless enthusiasm kept thousands laughing.  Off-screen, she and her real-life husband Desi Arnaz launched their own television studio and pioneered new technologies.  But what does it mean when an on-screen legend clashes with her off-screen reality?

In this historic portrayal, historian and actress Leslie Goddard brings Lucy to life, paying tribute to both the true comic legend and the real woman behind the scenes.

Goddard is an award-winning actress and scholar who has been presenting history programs for more than 20 years.  She holds a Ph.D. from Northwestern University, specializing in American studies and U.S. history, as well as a master’s degree in theater.

A former museum director, she is the author of three books on history and currently works full-time as an author and public speaker, portraying memorable women from the past and telling historical stories so that lessons from the past are more entertaining, educational and inspiring.

The cost of the tea is $25 for Society members and $30 for non-members, plus an on-line handling fee. Take note that attendance is limited to 36 people, ages 18 and over. Advance registration is required and there are no refunds.  Visit www.mtphist.org/afternoon-teas/ to register.

Filed Under: Breaking News, Events

November 7, 2023

Bessie’s Workbasket

Join us the second Wednesday of each month in Central School (103 S. Maple St., Mount Prospect) from 7:00 to 9:00 pm! All classes are $10 per person and beginner-friendly – we encourage anyone who is interested to join!

Upcoming class topics will be posted throughout the year so be sure to check back regularly for updated information!

Personal Purse/Pocket Pals – REGISTER HERE
Create your own Pocket Pal—a tiny, hand-stitched keepsake meant to bring comfort, luck, or a smile whenever you need it. Using simple stitches and colorful felt, you’ll personalize your piece with your initials, a favorite symbol, or a lucky number—and even tuck a small heart inside for an extra touch of warmth. Whether made for yourself or as a thoughtful gift, your Pocket Pal will be a reminder of kindness, creativity, and care you can carry with you.
•7:00 pm at Central School, 103 S Maple St. Mount Prospect
•Wednesday, February 11, 2026

Macramé Plant Hangers – REGISTER HERE
Ready to add a touch of handmade charm to your home? Join our beginner-friendly macrame plant hanger class. You will learn the necessary knots needed to create a custom plant holder. 
Please bring a 4-6 inch empty pot – all other supplies will be provided.
•7:00 pm at Central School, 103 S Maple St. Mount Prospect
•Wednesday, March 11, 2026

Candle Wreath Decor – REGISTER HERE
In this class, you’ll learn simple techniques for creating a mesh ribbon candle holder or wreath. No experience needed – just come ready to create a beautiful, eye-catching piece for your home!
•7:00 pm at Central School, 103 S Maple St. Mount Prospect
•Wednesday, April 8, 2026

Upcycling: Fabric Baskets – REGISTER HERE
Choose from a rainbow of provided fabrics or bring your own materials to upcycle. You’ll wrap clothesline with frabric and hand-stitch the coils together to create a one-of-a-kind basket to take home.
•7:00 pm at Central School, 103 S Maple St. Mount Prospect
•Wednesday, May 13, 2026

 

Past Events

Create Your Own Journal
Enjoy a relaxing, hands-on session of Bessie’s Workbasket as we create beautiful handmade journals from simple materials. You’ll learn basic bookbinding techniques, discover creative ways to personalize your cover, and leave with a one-of-a-kind journal that reflects your own style. Perfect for recording thoughts, memories, or creative ideas—no experience needed, just your imagination!
•7:00 pm at Central School, 103 S Maple St. Mount Prospect
•Wednesday, January 14, 2026

Handmade for the Holidays
Join Bessie’s Workbasket in the historic schoolhouse for a cozy evening of holiday crafting and camaraderie. We’ll create charming gift pockets, craft a few small ornaments, and prepare sweet treats to take home, wrapped and decorated with care. Just like in generations past, it’s all about adding a personal touch and sharing the joy of the season.
•7:00 pm at Central School, 103 S Maple St. Mount Prospect
•Wednesday, December 10, 2025

Gift Wrapping Ideas
Wrap up the year—or any occasion—with a little extra flair! In this hands-on workshop, you’ll learn creative and charming ways to elevate your gift wrapping using paper, stamps, and ribbon. Bring a small box to practice on, and we’ll provide the rest. Whether you’re preparing for the holidays, a birthday, or just love making presents feel extra special, this class will help you add that perfect personal touch. Come get inspired and walk away with beautiful ideas that are sure to impress!
· 7:00pm at Central School, 103 S Maple St. Mount Prospect
· Wednesday, November 12, 2025

Knit a Washcloth
Join us for a cozy and creative evening as part of our Bessie’s Workbasket series! In this beginner-friendly workshop, you’ll learn the fundamentals of knitting by creating a simple, practical project—a classic knit washcloth. Whether you’re brand new to knitting or just a bit rusty, this is the perfect opportunity to get started. Washcloths make thoughtful, handmade gifts… though don’t be surprised if you end up keeping your first few for yourself! *Yarn and knitting needles will be supplied*
· 7:00pm at Central School, 103 S Maple St. Mount Prospect
· Wednesday, October 8th, 2025

Creative Lettering, Calligraphy, and Tangles 
This month, Bessie’s Workbasket explores the art of beautiful writing and relaxing doodles in this hands-on workshop.  Whether you’re a beginner or just looking to unwind creatively, this session offers a fun introduction to calligraphy, decorative lettering, and tangle-inspired designs.  All materials provided – just bring your imagination!
· 7:00pm at Central School, 103 S Maple St. Mount Prospect
· Wednesday, September 10th, 2025

Pop-Up Cards
Imagine the look on your friend’s face when they open a card and the design leaps out!  We’ll go step-by-step to create fun designs.
· 7:00pm at Central School, 103 S Maple St. Mount Prospect
· Wednesday, June 11th, 2025

Quilling
Quilling, aka paper-rolling, or paper scrolling – has a long and interesting history. The origins of quilling are not recorded, but some think it began with the invention of paper, in China in 105 AD or in Egypt, where some tombs have been found to contain wire shapes similar in appearance to modern quilling.
In this class, you will learn how to make a flower by quilling. You will make the basic shapes to determine an item or stand-along masterpiece.
· 7:00pm at Central School, 103 S Maple St. Mount Prospect
· Wednesday, April 9, 2025



Planters
Make a planter/hanger for your spring plants. If you have a large empty tin can, bring it! We will have some that you can decorate.
· 7:00pm at Central School, 103 S Maple St. Mount Prospect
· Wednesday, May 14th, 2025

 

Filed Under: Events

October 13, 2023

Blacksmith Demo Fall 2024

Our popular blacksmith demo is back! Join us at 101 S. Maple Street on Sunday, October 13, 2024 between 11 am and 3 pm to see blacksmith Solomon in action!

Our monthly open house event, Second Sundays at the Society, will also be going on between 11:30 am and 1:30 pm in Central School (103 S. Maple Street). Stop by to take a look at Mount Prospect’s original 1896 schoolhouse! Then, take a guided tour of the Dietrich Friedrichs House Museum.

All of these activities are free and no registration is necessary. We hope to see you there!

Filed Under: Breaking News, Events

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Mount Prospect Historical Society
101 South Maple Street
Mount Prospect, IL 60056
847.392.9006
info@mtphistory.org

The Mount Prospect Historical Society is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that is committed to preserving the history of Mount Prospect, IL, through artifacts, photographs and both oral and written memories of current and former residents and businesspeople.  On its campus in the heart of the Village, the Society maintains the 1906 Dietrich Friedrichs house museum, the ADA-accessible Dolores Haugh Education Center and the 1896 one-room Central School, which was moved to the museum campus in 2008, renovated and opened to the public in 2017, the 100-year anniversary of the Village.

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