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Waukegan Historical Society
Waukegan: A History
The Waukegan Historical Society is pleased to announce their new publication Waukegan: A History by local historian/author Ed Link.
Waukegan is a city that has evolved from an area inhabited by Native Americans, to a trading post, to an agricultural hub, to a destination of industry, and finally to a service-based economy. It is a city that reflects the unique cultures and heritages of people who have come from all over the world to call Waukegan their home.
Ed Link’s lively text explores the rich and diverse history of Waukegan and takes the reader from its earliest beginnings to today.
Over 200 photographs, maps, and other images from the Waukegan Historical Society archives and other sources, including many never previously published, bring the story of Waukegan to life.
Book is available for purchase at the Waukegan History Museum -1917 N. Sheridan Road, Waukegan, IL 60087.
Exhibit: Treasures of Our Collections: Celebrating 150 Years of Waukegan History
Location: Waukegan History Museum
Description: The exhibit focuses on the history of the City of Waukegan from its very earliest beginnings up to the present. The exhibit includes a detailed timeline highlighting interesting events and side notes from Waukegan’s history. Artifacts on display include a relic from the Academy Theater/Fiesta Palace, the charred remains of one of the old courthouse’s clock faces, a trunk used by Jack Benny during his early Vaudeville days, maps, a digital slide show of Waukegan postcards, and souvenirs, trinkets, and other memorabilia.
Tour: Beautiful Bowen Park Guided Tour
Location: Starts at the Waukegan History Museum (1917 N. Sheridan Rd. Waukegan, IL 60087)
Free By appointment
Description: Schedule a time to take a free guided tour of beautiful Bowen Park! On the tour you will learn about the early years of the property when it was a farm, the 50 years when the Jane Addams Hull House operated the Bowen Country Club, and the later years as Waukegan’s largest park. The Bowen Country Club, operated by the Jane Addams Hull House of Chicago was a summer camp for the underprivileged children of Chicago that operated from 1912 to 1962. You will learn about the buildings that were constructed for the camp and the many things that were offered to the campers. Walking on the trails in the park, flowers and wildlife will be pointed out along with discussion on how the park’s natural habitat is being preserved. The tour will start outside of the Waukegan History Museum and will conclude with a tour of Lilac Cottage. The tour will last approximately 1 to 1.5 hours. Walking will include hills, trails, and uneven ground. Please contact the Waukegan History Museum to schedule a tour.
Exhibit: Victorian Decorations at the Waukegan History Museum
Location: Waukegan History Museum (1917 N. Sheridan Rd. Waukegan, IL 60087)
Free
Description: Come see the museum's decorated parlor tree and the elaborate setting for a holiday feast.
Free Historical Programs Offered by the Waukegan Historical Society
For your organization, group, social event, or classroom.
Topics Include:
- History of Waukegan (Pre-Native American to Present)
- Waukegan’s Famous Civil War Drummer Boys
- Jack Benny-From Waukegan to Hollywood
- Waukegan and the Underground Railroad
- Abraham Lincoln's Memorable Visit to Waukegan
- "What's In a Name?" Learn about streets, buildings and parks in Waukegan that have been named for early prominent residents of the city.
- Louise deKoven Bowen - Her Life, the Hull House and Waukegan's Bowen Country Club
- Early Native American History of Waukegan and Surrounding Areas
- How to Make Native American Tools and Play the Bowl and Dice Game
- "What-Cha-Ma-Call-It" History Trunk Hands-on program designed specifically for the classroom.
All programs are multimedia presentations with hands-on artifacts. Programs generally last 1 hour.ALL PROGRAMS ARE FREE!!
For more information and to schedule a program, please call or email:
Waukegan History Museum
1917 N. Sheridan Road
Waukegan, IL 60087
847-336-1859
For Educators and Youth Leaders
All programs are free!
We offer:
- Guided Museum Tours (All Grades)
- Guided Bus Tours (All Grades)
- Classroom Presentations (All Grades)
- Library Research (All Grades)
- Research assistance of Chicago Metro History Fair (All Grades)
- The History of Waukegan, Illinois Teacher’s Guide (4th Grade)
For more information please refer to the Historical Society website www.waukeganhistorical.org or call the Waukegan History Museum at the Haines Farmhouse 847-336-1859.