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Museum

Programming

Group and school programs are designed to bring a local perspective to the study of history and are available to schools, youth organizations, senior groups, home educators, and others.


 


     
   
  Gitte Bog
The fourth artist in West Chicago’s International Artist-in-Residence Program, Danish artist Gitte Bog, will be working out of the City Museum during the month of May. Her project focuses on gathering and then cooking together favorite food ingredients of community members.

Press Release: 5/7/10 - West Chicago to Host 4th International Artist-in-Residence
   
     
  Museum Summer Day Camp
The City Museum will be offering free half-day camps for children ages 5-13. The final camp will be on Tuesday, August 10, 2010 at the Museum. All camps run from 9:00 - 11:30 a.m. Indoor and outdoor activities based on a prairie theme will be offered. Children are encouraged to bring a snack and drink of their choice. Call (630) 231-3376 or stop in to the Museum to register.  Space is limited for each camp.
     
     
  Craft Saturdays
One Saturday a month from noon to 3:00 p.m., the City Museum holds free craft activities for kids to learn about local history and the world around them while creating a treasure to take home. The theme for the 2010-2011 school year will center on the railroad history of West Chicago, beginning with steam locomotives on September 11, 2010, Freight trains on October 9, 2010 and passenger trains on November 13, 2010.  Children receive an activity booklet and a sticker for each Craft Saturday they attend, with certificates and prizes awarded. Contact the City Museum at (630) 231-3376 for additional information.
   
     
  Field Trips to the Museum
Prearranged tours and special programs are available to groups coming to the Museum. These activities have been created to meet the needs of all visitors. You may reserve a guided tour of the Museum for your class or group. (All ages)
     
     
  Main Street Walking Tour
Guided walking tours of the downtown area focus on the growth and development of West Chicago. The tour features the area encompassed by the original town of Turner and can be adapted to focus on business, architectural styles, railroad history or other areas of interest. (Grades 3-12, 30 minutes - 1 hour)
     
     
  Oakwood Cemetery
This historical tour features West Chicago's oldest cemetery. Students learn to use the cemetery as a source of information on the people and lifestyles of the past. A special emphasis is placed on the importance of respect for such places and focuses on the artistic styles and symbolism found on grave markers of this late 19th century cemetery. (Grades 3-8, 30 minutes - 1 hour)
     
     
Traveling Programs
Traveling programs have been developed for school or youth groups and comply with State school curriculum guidelines and Boy Scout badge requirements.
     
  Josefina Story Quilt
Using the children's book The Josefina Story Quilt, by Eleanor Coerr, a member of the Museum staff will introduce children to pioneer life and the importance of quilts as seen through the travels of a young girl. (For grades K-2, 45 minutes)
     
     
  Trains, Train, Trains
Equipped with artifacts, role-playing activities and more, a member of the Museum staff will present a program in the classroom on the jobs, signals, and work of the early railroads. (For grades 1-5, 45 minutes)
     
     
  Child's Play
A member of the Museum staff will bring the toys of yesteryear alive to your students. While children enjoy playing with a variety of wooden and metal toys, they are learning about our changing technology and the impact of this change on our life. (Grades K-5, 1 hour)
     
     
  Then and Now
Oh the times, they are changing. This program offers a look at the differences and similarities between the modern era and life around the turn of the 20th century. Numerous hands-on experiences are included in this fun-filled program. (Grades K-5, 1 hour)
     
     
Loan Kits    
     
  Take home History Kit
“Tackle History: Immigration”

This interactive, bilingual history kit gives children a look into the four main immigrant groups that settled West Chicago-English, German, Irish, and Mexican-as well as general history about immigration to the United States. Children check out the kit from the Museum or in the children’s gallery of the museum. (Grades 3-5)
     
     
  Railroad Trunk
This educational kit contains maps, books, and artifacts that chronicle the early years of West Chicago. The early importance of the railroad is emphasized. A teacher's guide contains suggestions on how to use the materials in the trunk. (Grade 3)
     
     
  McGuffey Readers
Check out our set of McGuffey’s Third Eclectic Readers, first published in 1879. The Readers show how students’ education was conducted from the 1830s to the 1920s when the Readers were used as the primary learning tool in classrooms across the country. Students can read the stories and complete the spelling, handwriting, grammar, and vocabulary exercises. (Grade 3-5)