History

Discover U.S. history through our curated selection of texts and discuss how the past, and our perceptions of it, inform the present. The first half-hour is optional to attend and will summarize and contextualize the selected text (ideal for participants who didn't read the book or who want a refresher). We will discuss the selected text from 6-7 p.m. and end with an optional half-hour social time. Light refreshments provided.

Celebrate Skokie history and participate in a guided group discussion sharing memories of growing up here in the 1950s-1970s. In April, hear from special guest Leslie Handler as she reads excerpts from her book about growing up in 1960s Skokie. In May, join us to celebrate Niles East and commemorate 45 years since its closure. See materials in the Skokie Heritage Museum's collections pertaining to each day's theme and add your knowledge to our archives. Bring your families to share how things have changed over time.

Capture your favorite flowers on canvas with a needle and thread as you create a small floral ornament and master specific embroidery techniques in these introductory workshops. Materials included.

Tour the Skokie Heritage Museum and learn about the Village of Skokie's founding. The tour includes a look at the building as it was when it served as Skokie's first firehouse and jail. Get a behind-the-scenes look at our collection of artifacts, including old yearbooks and photos. Behind the museum, experience pioneer life in an original Skokie log cabin from 1847.

Learn about the historic buildings, people, and events that made Skokie what it is today through this in-depth guided tour of historic downtown Skokie. This will be a casually-paced walk with stops throughout the downtown area. Tour meets at Skokie Heritage Museum (8031 Floral Ave.). Drop-ins welcome. Children must be accompanied by paid adult.

Meet in the Devonshire Park gazebo to learn about the site's past as a Cold War military base, and then set off through the Devonshire Manor neighborhood to discover Skokie's Cold War-era history. The tour will cover the development of Skokie's Jewish community, mid-century modern aesthetics, the evolution of the nuclear family and second-wave feminism, and the 1960s civil rights and fair housing movements in Skokie. Drop-ins welcome.

Party like it's 1900! Play croquet and other popular Victorian-age garden party games on the museum lawn. Enjoy light refreshments plus more themed crafts and activities in the museum.

Tour the Skokie Heritage Museum and learn about the Village of Skokie's founding. The tour includes a look at the building as it was when it served as Skokie's first firehouse and jail. Get a behind-the-scenes look at our collection of artifacts, including old yearbooks and photos. Behind the museum, experience pioneer life in an original Skokie log cabin from 1847.

Celebrate the grand opening of Skokie's 2000 time capsule and our newest exhibit exploring iconic pop culture from the Millennium era. You won't want to "Skip-It" as we peel back the layers of history like an onion (or an ogre!) to the early aughts. Join us for light refreshments and a series of lightning talks that will keep your memory "Razr" sharp as we get back "*NSYNC" with cultural phenomena like Furbies, Neopets, iPods, and more!

Test your memory of the Millennium years (c. 1998-2002) in this lightning-fast trivia competition covering pop culture, politics, major events, and more. Play solo or with a partner for a chance to win fun prizes!

Learn about the historic buildings, people, and events that made Skokie what it is today through this guided tour of historic downtown Skokie. This will be a casually paced walk with stops throughout the downtown area. Tour meets at the Skokie Heritage Museum (8031 Floral Ave.). Children under 10 free with a paid adult.

Walk through women's history in downtown Skokie. Learn about important women and pivotal moments in the struggle for equal rights, including Skokie's first resident doctor and the development of the first commercial contraceptive. Children under 10 free with paid adult.

Learn about bungalow architecture and how the design reflects shifting societal values in the early 1900s, inspired in part by Jane Addams' Hull-House reformers and Frank Lloyd Wright's Prairie School. This will be a casual stroll with frequent stops to look at building exteriors around the Lorel Park area. Children under 10 free with paid adult.