Flora, Fauna, and Us: Ecology at the History Center

The Des Plaines History Center is excited to welcome families and community members of all ages to experience a new exhibit showcasing the ecological history of the city. Flora, Fauna, and Us: The Environmental History of Des Plaines is currently open to the public Monday through Friday, from 10 pm to 4 pm at the Des Plaines History Center, as well as every second Sunday of month (July 12 and August 9) from 10 am to 2 pm. Created by the curator, Olivia Cimino, in collaboration with the Des Plaines Izaak Walton League of America, the exhibit showcases the relationship between humans and their surrounding ecosystem.

“The Des Plaines area has an incredibly interesting background spanning millions of years,” says Cimino. “This exhibit shows viewers the role humans have played in our town's environmental history.

In a rapidly modernizing world, the exhibit highlights the push and pull our region experiences as it works to balance nature with urbanization. Stepping back in time, viewers will explore individuals, animals, plants, and processes that shaped our landscape into what it is today. Open through this summer until August 20, the exhibit looks to inspire families and community members in the area to explore the outdoors and find ways to bring sustainability into their lives. Filled with exciting artifacts, including arrowheads, a bison horn, and a giant beaver incisor, the exhibit is filled with captivating sites for all audiences. The Field Museum and the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum kindly loaned relevant specimen for display. Learn about the Des Plaines Disturbance that shaped the land into what it looks like today and meet the Tully Monster, Des Plaines’ first resident and Illinois state fossil. First-hand experiences grinding corn and fishing in Lake Opeka (catch and release only) show kids how people in the past and present interact with the environment.

Looking for a fun family program this summer as part of the Flora, Fauna, and Us exhibit? Sunday, July 19, community members are invited to the Kinder Family Picnic. Spend the afternoon immersing yourself in the history of Des Plaines at the turn of the 20th century. Explore the historic Kinder House, learn how to make butter and ice cream, play historic yard games, and pose for a vintage-style family portrait. Stop in to see the exhibit and witness a fur trade demonstration by the Des Plaines Izaak Walton League of America. A Naturalist from River Trail Nature Center in the Forest Preserves of Cook County will teach about local wildlife with specimens and artifacts.

Additionally, the History Center will be hosting bi-weekly History Huddle events at the library on June 26, July 10, and July 24 from 11 am to 12 pm. Kids will explore the past through hands-on crafts and activities, including wax seals and Victorian flower language.

Spend your summer at the History Center and immerse yourself in the history of Des Plaines!