Martin shares history by the glass at next Coffee Talk

DES PLAINES – The story begins in the cradle of civilization, but Dave Martin wastes no time bringing the audience home to the Midwest and Great Lakes – courtesy of “A History of the World in Six Glasses.”

The fact that that this quirky storyteller/musician would rely on six beverages as a lens to our collective history shouldn’t surprise anyone. Martin knows how to teach – and reach –people. He boasts a background in journalism and education.

Martin, 41, of Crystal Lake, earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Iowa, before returning to DePaul University and earning a master’s degree in secondary education – with a history endorsement.

“Jimmy Buffett was a journalism major, and he was worth over a billion dollars when he died. Since I always liked stories it seemed like a natural end,” Martin said with a laugh. But the romanticism that he attached to the profession quickly waned. He gravitated, instead, to the classroom where he taught high school history for seven years in McHenry before landing in Harvard District 50 as an instructional coach. In a sense, he now teaches teachers, by drawing on his own experiences to offer helpful strategies.

The same can be said his Coffee Talk presentation, “Miscellany and Mirth of the Midwest,” which this singer/songwriter will share at 1:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 14, at the Des Plaines History Center, 781 Pearson St.

“For me, it’s always been about telling a story, a compelling story. I started writing songs based on historical events early on,” Martin said. “I thought: ‘If I could do this in a song and bring it to the people, it would be entertaining.’ … As I continued to write songs, they became more autobiographical, steeped in personal history that I hope resonates.”

Martin’s father, Mike, grew up in Edison Park. His mother, Peggy, was raised on a farm near Waterloo, Iowa. Dave’s interest in history developed at a young age, listening to his grandfather chronicle notable family events – including the family farm which his grandfather’s uncle won in a 1914 poker game.

“Someone literally bet the farm,” Martin said. “You just can’t make this stuff up.”

Growing up in the far western suburb of Cary, Martin became interested in the settlement and evolution of the area. He has leaned on music as way share what he’s learned.

“My objective is always that you hopefully pick up some knowledge of quixotic, oddball and regional history that is educating and entertaining,” Martin said.

Register by calling 847-391-5399 or by emailing contact@desplaineshistory.org. Village Bank & Trust and the Kiwanis Club of Des Plaines help defray the cost of monthly Coffee Talks, but donations are appreciated.

For information about other upcoming events, visit DesPlainesHistory.org.