Second floor of Kinder House to reopen

Have you ever seen a music box from 1900 or a sewing machine from 1904 that was actually used by a Des Plaines resident? Both of these items—plus many more—are available for viewing now that the Kinder House’s second floor is ready for public tours. A reception to honor this occasion is set for Friday, October 17, from 5-7 p.m., at 781 Pearson Street, Des Plaines. Please call 847-391-5399 to register.

“We’re very excited to have this opportunity to reopen the second floor of the Kinder House,” said Shari Caine, executive director of the History Center. “It has been closed in recent years due to temporary and overflow storage for the History Center’s historical collections. Curator Philip Mohr has implemented recent new storage solutions with help from trustee Arnold Miller and intern Chris Liston, making the second floor space accessible for public tours once again.”

The main floor reopened in the spring and includes the parlor, sitting room, dining room, kitchen, and pantry.

“A lot of people who have toured the first floor recently have asked about the second floor,” said Mohr. “Now is everyone’s chance to see a representation of how the Kinders lived. The original bathroom, an adult bedroom, a sewing room, and a maid’s room will complete the Kinder House experience.”

Mohr spoke about one more new component. “We are also pleased to be launching the mobile tour website,” he said. “This will not replace guided tours in the house. The structure of the house prevents the History Center from making the tour accessible to people with physical disabilities. The online tour attempts to provide them with photographs, text, and audio. It also makes the tour available to people around the world.”

Visit www.desplaineshistory.org for more information. Hope to see you at the reception!

The History Center gratefully acknowledges operating support from the City of Des Plaines, the Des Plaines Park District, its members, and other contributors.