Holiday Tales, Architecture and the Backstory of Elmhurst: History Museum's Winter Lineup

Submitted by the Elmhurst History Museum.

Thinking of taking a trip to the Elmhurst History Museum any time soon? Take a peek at what events are scheduled for the rest of the year and into 2017.

October 7, 2016-March 12, 2017
In Her Own Right: Marion Mahony Griffin

Marion Mahony Griffin (1871-1961) was one of America’s first female architects, a Chicagoan also known as a skilled artist, environmentalist, and community activist. A central contributor to the Prairie School of Architecture, her drawings of the Unity Temple and many other projects introduced Frank Lloyd Wright’s early work to the world. Mahony Griffin was the first woman architect registered in Illinois who became a pioneer in architecture and community planning. A key member of Wright’s Oak Park Studio for 15 years, she and husband Walter Burley Griffin won the international design competition for Canberra, Australia’s national capital. This exhibition traces her early life, her personal and professional partnership with Griffin on three continents, the final years of her life in Chicago—and sheds light on the work and legacy of a Chicagoan of immense but often overlooked importance.

Location: Elmhurst History Museum, 120 E. Park Ave., Elmhurst
Hours: Sun., Tues.-Fri., 1-5 p.m.; Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Admission: FREE
More info: elmhursthistory.org or 630-833-1457

Ongoing
By All Accounts: The Story of Elmhurst

Take an interactive journey through Elmhurst history! Experience engaging towers filled with one-of-a-kind objects, compelling photos, and first-person video accounts from locals. Check out the award-winning, hands-on tabletop map that explores Elmhurst past and present, and take a seat in the mini-theatre to view an original documentary on Elmhurst history.

Location: Elmhurst History Museum, 120 E. Park Ave., Elmhurst
Hours: Sun., Tues.-Fri., 1-5 p.m.; Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Admission: FREE
More info: elmhursthistory.org or 630-833-1457

Friday, December 2
Jolly Old St. Nicholas Concert
Time: 7:00-8:15 p.m.
Cost: FREE

Before there was Santa Claus, there was St. Nicholas, known traditionally as the “bearer of gifts.” On December 6, many Europeans still celebrate St. Nicholas Day, and many Christmas traditions emerged from this holiday. The Elmhurst History Museum invites the public to celebrate this tradition and Elmhurst’s German roots with a concert of German carols and a performance by Jolly Old St. Nick. Now in its 80th year, Elmhurst’s own Damenchor (Women’s Chorus) and Männerchor (Men’s Chorus) will perform German carols that the audience can join in singing. St. Nicholas himself, brought to life by first-person history performer Terry Lynch, will join the festivities to explain the celebration and take pictures with the kids. Hot cocoa and sweet treats will be provided. Children are encouraged to wear their pajamas! All ages welcome, reservations are required.Participants are encouraged to bring a $1 donation for the Yorkfield Food Pantry.

Reservations: elmhursthistory.org (Special Events section) or http://bpt.me/2697795
Location: Yorkfield Presbyterian Church, 1099 S. York St., Elmhurst
More info: elmhursthistory.org or 630-833-1457

Wednesday, December 7
Marion Mahony Griffin in Frank Lloyd Wright’s Studio and Wasmuth Portfolio Viewing
Time: 8:30 a.m.–12:45 p.m.
Cost: EHF Members: $30; Non-members: $35
Location: Tour begins and ends at Elmhurst History Museum, 120 East Park Ave.

Marion Mahony was Wright’s first professional employee when she was hired in 1895, and she stayed with his office for nearly 15 years rendering buildings and landscapes that became known as a staple of Wright's style. This tour will visit the beautiful studio off of Wright’s Oak Park home to learn about the role Marion played in projects during the Golden Years of Wright’s office (1895-1910). The tour continues with the Special Collections librarian at Oak Park Public Library for a special viewing of the influential Wasmuth Portfolio, for which Mahony Griffin created more than half of the numerous renderings. The tour will include a drive past some of the Oak Park and River Forest buildings that she played a part in designing. Note: Rain or shine and some walking required. Please bring snack and water for bus ride home.

Reservations: elmhursthistory.org (Adult Programs Section) or http://bpt.me/2697836
Location: Elmhurst History Museum, 120 E. Park Ave., Elmhurst
More Info: Call 630-530-6879 or email EHMprograms@elmhurst.org

Sunday, January 8
Great Inaugural Speeches in History
Time: 2:00–3:00 p.m.
Cost: FREE

On January 20, our new President will deliver the 58th inaugural speech in our history. Most of the prior 57 were disappointing—dull, uninspiring, and lacking vision—but seven have stood out by challenging, lifting, and forcing citizens to rethink what it means to be an American. Professor Gary Midkiff will review those seven, including one by the youngest man elected President, one by the oldest man elected President, and the greatest of the 57, where a man tries to see God's purpose in our greatest national tragedy. Co-presented by the Elmhurst History Museum and the Elmhurst Public Library.

Location: Elmhurst Public Library, Large Meeting Room, 125 S. Prospect St., Elmhurst
Reservations: Register in person at Elmhurst Public Library, call (630) 279-8696, or www.elmhurstpubliclibrary.org.

Sunday, January 15
Marion Mahony Griffin: Rendering the Grand Variety of Nature’s Grace
Time: 2:00-3:00 p.m.
Cost: EHF Members: $5; Non-members: $10

Join us for a new series of Sunday afternoon programs for adults at the Elmhurst History Museum. Marion Mahony Griffin is known for a magnificent drafting style incorporating densely treed landscapes into architectural presentation drawings. She was Frank Lloyd Wright’s chief draftsperson for 14 years before embarking on a career with her husband Walter Burley Griffin that catapulted them from Chicago to Australia in 1914 after winning an international competition to design the capital city of Canberra. Author, artist and curator Debora Wood examines the trajectory of Marion’s graphic art—from children's book illustrations and architectural renderings to an exquisite series of Australian Forest Portraits. Marion’s drawing methods and her inventive adaptation of photo-reproduction processes will be discussed.

Reservations: elmhursthistory.org (Adult Programs Section) or http://bpt.me/2697801
Location: Elmhurst History Museum Education Center, 120 E. Park Ave., Elmhurst
More Info: elmhursthistory.org or call 630-833-1457.

Sunday, February 12
Marion Mahony Griffin in Mason City, IA
Time: 2:00-3:00 p.m.
Cost: EHF Members: $5; Non-members: $10

Architect John Waters of Research for Restoration and Melson House homeowner Peggy Bang will take participants on a journey exploring the beautifully designed homes and most significant projects in America that Marion Mahony Griffin and her husband, Walter Burley Griffin, designed in Mason City, IA. At Rock Crest/Rock Glen, the Griffins envisioned a development that would conserve the natural area, and today it remains the largest collection of Prairie Style homes surrounding a natural setting.

Reservations: elmhursthistory.org (Adult Programs Section) or http://bpt.me/2697810
Location: Elmhurst History Museum Education Center, 120 E. Park Ave., Elmhurst
More Info: elmhursthistory.org or call 630-833-1457.

Monday, February 20
School’s Out Family Workshop: Forest Portraits
Time: 1:00-2:30 p.m.
Cost: Elmhurst History Museum/Elmhurst Art Museum Members: $12/person; Non-members: $15/person

When Marion Mahony Griffin moved from Chicago to Australia, she fell in love with the beautiful form and exotic color of the natural environment. She created a series of tall botanical drawings of trees made with Japanese inks on colored silk, which she called Forest Portraits. Author and art curator Debora Wood will teach this unique technique so participants can create a Forest Portrait of their own—inspired by our natural surroundings! Kids and parent/caregiver participate together. Appropriate for families in grades 1–5.

Reservations: elmhursthistory.org (Family Programs Section) or http://bpt.me/2697812
Location: Elmhurst History Museum Education Center, 120 E. Park Ave., Elmhurst
More Info: elmhursthistory.org or call 630-833-1457.

Saturday, February 25
Girl Scouts World Thinking Day 2017
Time: 1:00-3:00 p.m. Cost: $8/child

Girl Scout troops and their leaders are invited to the Elmhurst History Museum for the celebration of an international Girl Scout event, World Thinking Day 2017! Activities will include crafts, music, and activities related to this year's theme, "Grow." Girl Scouts may bring a non-scouting friend to share the day. Badge requirements can be met through this activity. Contact EHM Museum Educator at EHMeducator@elmhurst.org or via phone at 630-833-7090 to book or for more information.

Location: Elmhurst History Museum, 120 E. Park Ave., Elmhurst
More info: elmhursthistory.org or 630-833-1457

Questions? More info can be found here.

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Image via Elmhurst History Museum website.