2nd Saturday - Corn Husk Dolls & Boxcar Communities in West Chicago
The West Chicago City Museum is excited to offer a hands-on art and history maker program, bringing the past to life through creative projects! This month, learn how to craft a traditional corn husk doll—a simple yet meaningful toy made by children in the past using everyday materials.
Join us on Saturday, May 10 from 10 AM–Noon to drop in and make your own doll, or pick up a to-go kit to complete at home! Each kit includes everything you need to soak, shape, and tie your doll, just like families in West Chicago’s historic boxcar communities once did.
Did you know? Corn husk dolls were common toys in Mexican, Polish, and Indigenous traditions, made from the same husks used in cooking and household items. These dolls symbolized resourcefulness and creativity—traits that helped shape West Chicago’s diverse history.
Can’t make it to the event but still want to participate? Request a kit and we’ll deliver one to any West Chicago address!
2nd Saturday - Stamping West Chicago's History
The West Chicago City Museum is excited to offer a hands-on art and history maker program, bringing the past to life through creative projects! This month, explore the history of stamps and signage in West Chicago by carving your own eraser stamp—just like the ones once used by railroad offices, businesses, and post offices to mark tickets, packages, and goods.
Join us on Saturday, April 12 from 10 AM–Noon to drop in and make your own stamp, or pick up a to-go kit to complete at home! Each kit includes everything you need to design, carve, and print your own unique stamp inspired by West Chicago’s history.
Can’t make it to the event but still want to participate? Request a kit and we’ll deliver one to any West Chicago address!
2nd Saturday - Knots of Connection: Friendship Bracelets & Immigrant Traditions in West Chicago
The West Chicago City Museum is excited to offer a hands-on art and history maker program, bringing the past to life through creative projects! This month, learn how to make a friendship bracelet inspired by the knot-tying traditions of immigrant communities in West Chicago.
Join us on Saturday, June 14 from 10 AM–Noon to drop in and create your own bracelet, or pick up a to-go kit to complete at home! Each kit includes colorful embroidery floss, a step-by-step guide, and a historical reference sheet exploring Mexican macramé, Polish woven designs, and Italian sailor’s knots—all of which have ties to West Chicago’s history.
Did you know? Knots were more than just decoration in many cultures—they symbolized friendship, protection, and strength. Whether used for sailing, crafting, or marking important bonds, these techniques were passed down through generations and brought to West Chicago by immigrants who made the city their home.
Can’t make it to the event but still want to participate? Request a kit and we’ll deliver one to any West Chicago address!
2nd Saturday - Christmas In July: A Historic West Chicago Celebration
The West Chicago City Museum is excited to offer a hands-on art and history maker program, bringing the past to life through creative projects! This month, celebrate Christmas in July by creating a historic-style ornament inspired by West Chicago’s holiday traditions.
Join us on Saturday, July 12 from 10 AM–Noon to drop in and craft your own ornament, or pick up a to-go kit to complete at home! Each kit includes materials to design a unique decoration using techniques from the past—whether it’s Victorian paper quilling, painted glass inspired by downtown window displays, or a nature-themed wood slice ornament.
Did you know? West Chicago has a rich history of handmade holiday decorations, from families crafting ornaments out of paper and wood to the beautifully painted storefront windows that once lined Main Street during the holidays. These traditions brought warmth and creativity to the season, long before mass-produced decorations became common.
Can’t make it to the event but still want to participate? Request a kit and we’ll deliver one to any West Chicago address!
2nd Saturday - West Chicago in Print: Make Your Own Zine
The West Chicago City Museum is excited to offer a hands-on art and history maker program, bringing the past to life through creative projects! This month, discover the power of storytelling by creating your own zine—a mini booklet filled with art, writing, and personal expression.
Join us on Saturday, August 9 from 10 AM–Noon to drop in and make a zine, or pick up a to-go kit to complete at home! Each kit includes everything you need to fold, design, and fill your zine with stories, drawings, and ideas inspired by West Chicago’s history. Choose from topics like "My West Chicago," "Nature & Conservation," or "Art & Activism," or create your own theme!
Did you know? Zines have long been used to share stories, history, and activism, offering a creative way to document personal and community experiences. West Chicago itself has transformed over the years, from an industrial town to a vibrant, artistic, and diverse community—what story will you tell?
Can’t make it to the event but still want to participate? Request a kit and we’ll deliver one to any West Chicago address!
Second Saturday - Weave With Us!
The West Chicago City Museum is excited to launch a new art and history maker program on the Second Saturday of every month. History based art projects will be set up at the museum to drop-in and take part in OR to pick up a to go bag to complete at home.
Everyone is welcome to stop by our first 2025 event on Saturday, March 8th from 10am-noon to weave, make your own pot holder, doll rug, or any other project! Cardboard looms and yarn will also be available to take home. Weaving was once a very popular activity in the United States and still is in Indigenous communities and other places throughout the world.
Can’t make it to the event but would still like to take part? Email us at wegohistotry@gmail.com and we will deliver a weaving kit to any West Chicago address.
Tales Tombstones Tell
For our 35th Annual Tales Tombstones Tell the West Chicago City Museum is celebrating the 175th Anniversary of West Chicago.
We Go History: Tasting the 1930s
Join the Friends of the West Chicago City Museum & the West Chicago Historical Society for an entertaining Tasting Party with history presenter Ellie Carlson.
Learn all about the history of cooking during the 1930s and enjoy the full tasting menu prepared as it would have been during the time! Tickets are $20 for We Go History Members and $22 for non-members. You can reserve your spot by emailing us at wegohistory@gmail.com or stopping into the City Museum at 132 Main Street during our open hours Thursdays & Fridays 9:30am-2:30pm and Saturdays 9:30am-3:30pm.
Details about the program: It is the Depression in America. The stock market has crashed, Roosevelt is trying to repair the country and thousands of Americans are changing the way they eat. Slide9Many rural folk are leaving for the cities and learning to cook on hotplates in rented rooms. A meal in a diner might have only cost a few cents but many didn’t have that so they made do with what they could cook themselves.
Still and all, many people who lived through that time have fond memories of the tastes and smells of that era.
We Go History: Tasting the 1930s
Join the Friends of the West Chicago City Museum & the West Chicago Historical Society for an entertaining Tasting Party with history presenter Ellie Carlson.
Learn all about the history of cooking during the 1930s and enjoy the full tasting menu prepared as it would have been during the time! Tickets are $20 for We Go History Members and $22 for non-members. You can reserve your spot by emailing us at wegohistory@gmail.com or stopping into the City Museum at 132 Main Street during our open hours Thursdays & Fridays 9:30am-2:30pm and Saturdays 9:30am-3:30pm.
Details about the program: It is the Depression in America. The stock market has crashed, Roosevelt is trying to repair the country and thousands of Americans are changing the way they eat. Slide9Many rural folk are leaving for the cities and learning to cook on hotplates in rented rooms. A meal in a diner might have only cost a few cents but many didn’t have that so they made do with what they could cook themselves.
Still and all, many people who lived through that time have fond memories of the tastes and smells of that era.
Tales Tombstones Tell
For our 34th Annual Tales Tombstones Tell the West Chicago City Museum is celebrating the 150th Anniversary of the Incorporation of our community as the Town of Turner. In 1873 formal incorporation papers were filed that created our Village of Turner, which in 1896 would become the Village of West Chicago.
Join the City Museum and our wonderful volunteer cemetery walk interpreters that will tell the story of those who lived through the historic early years of the community. Stories that will be featured include: John B. Turner, the man who created the railroad junction that would become West Chicago, Salome Wurtz whose husband ran the successful Turner Co-operative Creamer, Charles Clark who presented the petition for the incorporation of the Village of Turner in 1873, Nicholas Reuter the child of German immigrant parents, Clara Haffey Church the wife of the first President of the Village of Turner, Sutter Conley whose husband served on the board of the Oakwood Cemetery, and Adelaide Evenden who was in the first graduating class from Turner School in 1878.
Tours leave from the Cemetery entrance at Garden Street starting at 6:30pm and every 10 minutes after, with the last group stepping off at 7:30pm. Those waiting to enter the cemetery will be entertained by the music of Roger Kotecki. The event is free and open to all, donations are appreciated.
Come join us for this impactful evening stroll, with lanterns and luminaries lighting the path through West Chicago’s oldest cemetery. For more information please call the Museum at (630) 231-3376 or email us at museum@westchicago.org.
Fascinating Fridays at the City Museum
Join the West Chicago City Museum for our summer free drop-in art making events "Fascinating Fridays at the City Museum."
Children of all ages are invited to stop in to our pop-up makers space, see a fascinating piece of history and experiment with art supplies to create their own pieces. History features will rotate each week and take home craft bags will also be available. The Museum exhibits and kids train table will also be open for families to view and interact with during their visit.
These drop-in Friday morning events are free and open to all. Can't make it to the City Museum, email us at wegohistory@gmail.com or DM us and we will deliver a free craft bag to your West Chicago home.
Gratitude Journaling with Ruth Hong
Join the West Chicago City Museum & People Made Visible for our latest mental health and history workshop on Saturday, June 10th with artist Ruth Hong. Participants will be invited to do some gratitude journaling after the presentation; instruction and supplies will be provided.
Ruth works in mixed media mostly on paper and loves using prismacolors and sharpies. Creating art is one of the few activities, along with being in nature, that allows her to appreciate the present. Some of Ruth's recent work address self-compassion and she hopes to continue the conversation surrounding the healing capabilities of art.
This event is part of the Resilience Collective, a grant funded through the Illinois Association of Museums.
Tales Tombstones Tell
On Friday, October 14th, the City Museum will present the 33th annual Tales Tombstones Tell at Oakwood Cemetery, located at York Street and Oakwood Avenue. Tours begin at 6:30 pm and start off every 10 minutes thereafter, with the last tour starting at 7:30 pm. Tours last approximately 45 minutes and no reservations are necessary. If the weather is inclement the program is cancelled.
Guests will be entertained by historic music from Roger Kotecki as they wait to start to the tour. The program is appropriate for families and is based on our community’s history.
Come join us for this impactful evening stroll, with lanterns and luminaries lighting the path through West Chicago’s oldest cemetery. Although the program is free, donations are appreciated. For more information please call the Museum at (630) 231-3376 or email us at museum@westchicago.org.
Strolls Through History: Trains
Join the West Chicago City Museum for our July Stroll Through History all about Trains! Meet for this walk and talk about the 1860s CB&Q Depot, located at 134 Turner Court behind the Museum. These walks are free and open to all. Please contact the City Museum with any questions at museum@westchicago.org.
This event is held in collaboration with Healthy West Chicago.
Nonfiction Book Group Historiography: The Last Castle
Join the West Chicago City Museum for our June nonfiction book club Historiography where we will be discussing The Last Castle: The Epic Story of Love, Loss, and American Royalty in the Nation's Largest Home, about the home of the Vanderbilts.
Historiography is held each third Thursday of the month at the City Museum at 1pm. All welcome, no need to have read the book to join the discussion.
Masks strongly encouraged
32nd Tales Tombstones Tell
For our 32nd Tales Tombstones Tell, the City Museum will be focusing on celebrations from our community, of all shapes and sizes! This year the program will be presented in a video format, released on Friday, October 8th and will feature the stores of West Chicagoans throughout our community’s history that saw and lived through significant occasions. William Brice, one of the Chicago & NorthWestern’s most experienced engineers tasked with two historic train trips; Lavina Parker Campbell who saw a marvelous event at the Grove (today’s Egg Yolk Café) which featured Stephen Douglas, but despite local lore NOT Abraham Lincoln; Joseph Colwell another promising railroad worker who supervised the first railroad on the Isthmus of Panama; John Bet-A-Million Gates, perhaps one of West Chicago’s most famous hometown sons who went on to found Texaco Oil Company; Lorenzo Hartman who oversaw the building of many of West Chicago’s historic downtown buildings; Jane Ripley a businesswoman ahead of her times that ran the successful Ripley Hotel (200 Main Street); and Jacob Weger who was a respected West Chicagoan celebrated for his happy life.
Town Hall Share: Talking Trains Part II
Join the West Chicago City Museum for a lunch time Town Hall Share. Join Museum director Sara Phalen for a presentation about the train workers that powered the industry in West Chicago. Hear their stories of struggle and success in a hard industry followed by some time for community members and history lovers to share their own stories about the railroads in West Chicago. This event is free and open to all. A zoom link will be shared 30 minutes before the event on Facebook and our website www.wegohistory.com.
Join Zoom Meeting
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Meeting ID: 842 3909 8456
Passcode: 677872
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April History at Home Craft Kit Pick Up
Due to the popularity of our school break History at Home Craft Kits, the City Museum will have a grab and go History at Home Craft Kit Pick Up every Second Friday of the month.
On Friday, April 9th from 10am-noon FREE kits can be picked up in front of the City Museum at 132 Main Street, West Chicago. Kits are designed for children ages 5-9, but all ages can have fun with the kits. Bags contain 4 activities and a local history booklet. **Supplies are limited and once they are all gone, we will post in the event. Can't make it to the museum? Reserve your child's by emailing us at wegohistory@gmail.com and we will deliver it to your door if you live in West Chicago. Got questions? Send us a Facebook message or email us at wegohistory@gmail.com.
Town Hall Share: The Trains that Built West Chicago
Join the West Chicago City Museum for a lunch time Town Hall Share. Join Museum director Sara Phalen for a presentation about the trains that built West Chicago and some time for community members and history lovers to share their own stories about the railroads in West Chicago. This event is free and open to all.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83512280948
Meeting ID: 835 1228 0948
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Dial by your location
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
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+1 646 876 9923 US (New York)
+1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
+1 408 638 0968 US (San Jose)
+1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)
Meeting ID: 835 1228 0948
Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kymT3GScN
History Book Club: Braiding Sweetgrass
Join the West Chicago City Museum and the Warrenville Historical Society for our February non-fiction book club discussing Robin Wall Kimmer's book "Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants." Connect to nature in 2021 and start your year off right by reading this wonderful book that has been a mainstay for many over the last year. All are welcome and no need to have read or completed the book to join.
Currently meeting on Zoom https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89887385120
Historiography Non-fiction Book Club: Braiding Sweetgrass
Join the West Chicago City Museum and the Warrenville Historical Society for our January non-fiction book club discussing Robin Wall Kimmer's book "Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants." Connect to nature in 2021 and start your year off right by reading this wonderful book that has been a mainstay for many over the last year. All are welcome and no need to have read or completed the book to join.
Currently meeting on Zoom https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83788441501
History Book Club: Hamilton
Join the West Chicago City Museum & the Warrenville Historical Society as our monthly book club continues virtually!
On Thursday, July 16th at 1pm the group will meet to discuss “Hamilton” the Broadway Hit streaming on Disney+. A link to join the meetings can be found on the Friends of the West Chicago City Museum’s Facebook Page or on our website wegohistory.com.
All are welcome, and feel free to join the conversation even if you have not read the book or watched the film.
Historiography: U.S. Grant
Join the West Chicago City Museum & the Warrenville Historical Society as our monthly book club continues virtually!
Following a recent meeting on the Ron Chernow Book "Grant," we will discuss the History Channel's recent Documentary of the same name. Grant is available on-demand on online. All welcome, no need to have read the book or watched the documentary. Join us to discuss Ulysses S. Grant and his position in Illinois and U.S. history.
The non-fiction book club will continue online through Zoom on the third Thursday of every month on 1pm until it is safe to reconvene in person programs.
Thursday, June 18 1pm
Online Eventhttps://us02web.zoom.us/j/85962532150?pwd=N1lMKzBQcGpVMGl6akdYUExjYXNYdz09
Historiography Book Group
The City Museum is continuing its Historiography program in July, a non-fiction book reading group held in collaboration with the West Chicago Public Library. On Thursday, November 15 at 1pm the group will meet to discuss The Strange Case of Dr. Couney: How a Mysterious European Showman Saved Thousands of American Babies by Dawn Raffel. The book group is open to all, feel free to bring a bag lunch; complimentary drinks and desserts will be provided. Copies of the books being discussed can be checked out from the Museum or Library while available, limited copies available. Guests are also invited to come and discuss the topic, even if they have not read the book.
Timeless Tales
On Stage
Be prepared to be whisked away on a literary adventure! Join West Chicago Library and the West Chicago City Museum once a month as we team up for a story-time experience. We will look, listen, create, explore and play - with a new theme each month. Ms. Kelli from the Library will be reading stories linked to the City Museum’s collection. Afterwards we will have some fun with a variety of hands-on activities. This program is FREE of charge and requires no registration. Meet us on the second floor of the City Museum.
Timeless Tales
Magic
Be prepared to be whisked away on a literary adventure! Join West Chicago Library and the West Chicago City Museum once a month as we team up for a story-time experience. We will look, listen, create, explore and play - with a new theme each month. Ms. Kelli from the Library will be reading stories linked to the City Museum’s collection. Afterwards we will have some fun with a variety of hands-on activities. This program is FREE of charge and requires no registration. Meet us on the second floor of the City Museum.
Timeless Tales
Flowers & Showers
Be prepared to be whisked away on a literary adventure! Join West Chicago Library and the West Chicago City Museum once a month as we team up for a story-time experience. We will look, listen, create, explore and play - with a new theme each month. Ms. Kelli from the Library will be reading stories linked to the City Museum’s collection. Afterwards we will have some fun with a variety of hands-on activities. This program is FREE of charge and requires no registration. Meet us on the second floor of the City Museum.
Historiography Book Group
The City Museum is continuing its Historiography program in July, a non-fiction book reading group held in collaboration with the West Chicago Public Library. On Thursday, November 15 at 1pm the group will meet to discuss Sin in the Second City by Karen Abbott. The book group is open to all, feel free to bring a bag lunch; complimentary drinks and desserts will be provided. Copies of the books being discussed can be checked out from the Museum or Library while available, limited copies available. Guests are also invited to come and discuss the topic, even if they have not read the book.
Timeless Tales
Chicks and Ducks and Bunnies, Oh My!
Be prepared to be whisked away on a literary adventure! Join West Chicago Library and the West Chicago City Museum once a month as we team up for a story-time experience. We will look, listen, create, explore and play - with a new theme each month. Ms. Kelli from the Library will be reading stories linked to the City Museum’s collection. Afterwards we will have some fun with a variety of hands-on activities. This program is FREE of charge and requires no registration. Meet us on the second floor of the City Museum.
Historiography Book Group
The City Museum is continuing its Historiography program in July, a non-fiction book reading group held in collaboration with the West Chicago Public Library. On Thursday, November 15 at 1pm the group will meet to discuss Da Vinci by Walter Isaacson. The book group is open to all, feel free to bring a bag lunch; complimentary drinks and desserts will be provided. Copies of the books being discussed can be checked out from the Museum or Library while available, limited copies available. Guests are also invited to come and discuss the topic, even if they have not read the book.
Timeless Tales
Be prepared to be whisked away on a literary adventure! Join West Chicago Library and the West Chicago City Museum once a month as we team up for a story-time experience. We will look, listen, create, explore and play - with a new theme each month. Ms. Kelli from the Library will be reading stories linked to the City Museum’s collection. Afterwards we will have some fun with a variety of hands-on activities. This program is FREE of charge and requires no registration. Meet us on the second floor of the City Museum.
Becoming Queen Elizabeth II
Queen Elizabeth II
In this new historical portrayal, historian Leslie Goddard, Ph.D., explores the life of Britain’s famous monarch, from her childhood, the abdication of her uncle, her marriage to a navy officer named Philip, her World War II service, and her struggle to balance her roles as queen and mother.. Get to know the woman behind the images, her sense of humor and savvy intelligence with which she meets her demanding obligations. Note: This program is a historical portrayal, not a lecture.
Late Night: Drawing on History
Free, all ages. Drop in to try your hand at drawing an item from the Museum’s collection during “Drawing on History” and view our current exhibits.
Timeless Tales
Be prepared to be whisked away on a literary adventure! Join West Chicago Library and the West Chicago City Museum once a month as we team up for a story-time experience. We will look, listen, create, explore and play - with a new theme each month. Ms. Kelli from the Library will be reading stories linked to the City Museum’s collection. Afterwards we will have some fun with a variety of hands-on activities. This program is FREE of charge and requires no registration. Meet us on the second floor of the City Museum.
Late Night: Valentine Make-and-Take
Free, all ages. Drop in to make a historically inspired Valentine and view our current exhibits: West Chicago POP! and Building Community.