Summer program to begin at Des Plaines History Center

Children who would like to make a dream catcher, paint and race a wooden car, and create a stained glass transparency, and much more are invited to Afternoon Adventures Wednesdays, June 17-August 12, from 1-3 p.m. at the Des Plaines History Center, 781 Pearson Street. The program is designed for children, ages 5-12, with an adult. The fee is $3 per child, $2 with a member.

Children will also learn some history about the featured topic each week. The first program on June 17 will explore the Potawatomi tribe. Native American photographer and artist Sharon Hoogstraten will be the speaker. Each child will make a dream catcher.

“This summer, our Afternoon Adventures program will bring out the kid in all of us,” said Carmina Gonzalez, History Center program assistant. Gonzalez brings her many years of experience as an artist and teacher to the program and is thrilled to combine history with art.

Details about the other sessions follow: June 24: “Des Plaines Farms and Beyond” Des Plaines was a thriving farm community in the early 1900s. Children will learn that most of the farms in Des Plaines were the main producers of crops such as onions, mushrooms, tomatoes, corn and carrots that supplied Campbell Soup Company. Kids will create a sock monster that will grow hair

July 1: “Toys and More Toys” Participants will discuss how children played in the 1900s. Toys back then were simple but lots of fun to tug and pull. Children will paint and race a wooden car.

July 8: “1800s Photography” Kids will learn about the process of sitting for a photo in the 1800s and then review some historical photos. The session will involve some humorous moments in photography. Children will add color to some black and white masterpieces.

July 15: “Stained Glass” Children will take a look at some of Frank Lloyd Wright’s designs and hear about his contribution to the world of stained glass. Kids will explore the detailed work of craftsmanship of these astonishing masterpieces and create stained glass transparencies with glue and paint.

July 22: “Campbell Soup Company” The Campbell Soup Company was one of the main employers for the farms in Des Plaines. In tribute to them, children will design Andy Warhol-inspired art.

July 29: “Won’t You Be My Teddy Bear?” The teddy bear was inspired by one of America’s most beloved presidents, Theodore Roosevelt. Kids will learn the story behind this iconic creature and create a felt teddy bear.

August 5: “Kinder House” Participants will tour the 1907 Kinder House and imagine living in a home that at the time was the most modern one in Des Plaines. Children will create a stereoscope viewer from a shoe box.

August 12: “Ice Cream Social” The summer program will end with an ice cream social at the History Center. There is one catch! Children will make the ice cream from scratch.

For more information please call 847-391-5399 or visit desplaineshistory.org. When online, visitors are invited to like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, and become a member to receive updates, bulletins, and newsletters.

The Des Plaines History Center is supported by the City of Des Plaines, the Des Plaines Park District, its members, and other local business and community contributors.