Elmhurst History Museum to Host May 2016 Events

Submitted by the Elmhurst History Museum.

EXHIBITS

Smithsonian exhibit-FINAL MONTH!
March 18-May 29, 2016
Patios, Pools & the Invention of the American Backyard

Explore the mid-century backyard—from the rise of suburbs and tract houses, to the beauty of postwar garden design and the birth of the environmental movement—in the Chicago area debut of this new traveling exhibit from the Smithsonian. Filled with vintage photographs, historic drawings, and period advertisements, the exhibit reveals how these spaces evolved into an integral part of American popular culture. View a supplementary local component featuring photos shared by Elmhurst families depicting their own backyards of the era. Take a seat on a lawn chair in the interactive patio display where kids can flip burgers on the “grill.”Patios, Pools & the Invention of the American Backyard is presented by the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service and the Smithsonian Garden’s Archive of American Gardens. Sponsored by locally by Bartlett Tree Experts with additional support from: American Gardens, Inc.; Baralt’s Custom Landscapes, Inc.; McFarlane Douglass & Companies; NightLight, Inc.; Erwin Steinhebel & Sons, Inc.

Location: Elmhurst History Museum, 120 E. Park Ave., Elmhurst
Hours: Sun., Tues.-Fri., 1-5 p.m.; Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Third Thursdays, 1-8 p.m.
Admission: FREE
More info: elmhursthistory.org or 630-833-1457

Ongoing Exhibit

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 expores Elmhurst past and present, and take a seat in the mini-theatre to view an original documentary on Elmhurst history. This exhibit was made possible through support from the Elmhurst Heritage Foundation.

Location: Elmhurst History Museum, 120 E. Park Ave., Elmhurst
Hours: Sun., Tues.-Fri., 1-5 p.m.; Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Third Thursdays, 1-8 p.m.
Admission: FREE
More info: elmhursthistory.org or 630-833-1457

MAY

Saturday, May 14, 2:00 p.m.
Gallery Talk in Patios, Pools exhibit
FREE

The Patios, Pools & the Invention of the American Backyard exhibit raises several intriguing threads. Delve into these topics with Alan C. Watkins, a landscape architect who will discuss the exhibit from his perspective. Attendees will receive a discount coupon to use at Pints (112 S. York St.) good for that day. Location: 1st floor gallery.

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

SPECIAL EVENT

Sunday, May 15, 1:00-5:00 p.m.
20th Annual BIGGEST Museum Day Ever!
FREE

Celebrate the 20th Anniversary and the BIGGEST Museum Day ever! Jump on board the trolley as it rolls through Elmhurst to visit three local museums and the Wilder Park cultural campus. Ride the trolley to each location for free admission, exhibit tours, activities, refreshments, and more. This year, the fun spills into Wilder Park where the Elmhurst Park District Conservatory joins in the party, food trucks will be available for picnics, and Elmhurst Public Library hosts games and storytimes for kids. All ages.

Museum Day Locations & Activities:

Elmhurst Art Museum elmhurstartmuseum.org or (630) 834-0202

EAM’s galleries will be closed, but stop by to pick up a rain-check for free admission on a future date—and make some beautiful art of your own to bring home!

Elmhurst History Museum elmhursthistory.org or (630) 833-1457

Dive into the Smithsonian’s “Patios, Pools & the Invention of the American Backyard” exhibit. Kids can make a green “chia” pet, adults will learn about sustainable gardening, and all can play croquet and hula hoops on the lawn. Complimentary lemonade and cookies.

Elmhurst Public Library elmhhurstpubliclibrary.org or (630) 279-8696

Enjoy an outdoor storytime about the wonders of art, history, and geology between museum visits on the south library lawn (2-2:30 p.m. and 3-3:30 p.m.). Play life-sized family games like giant Jenga outside the library (2-4 p.m.).

Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art lizzadromuseum.org or (630) 833-1616

Experience the museum’s fascinating collection of rare stones and precious gems, and create an adorable rock critter to take home.

Wilder Park Conservatory epd.org or (630) 993-8900

Explore Elmhurst’s beautiful, historic conservatory, and learn about horticulture and conservation. Pick up a free rain gauge, one per family/first 100 families.

More info: elmhursthistory.org or 630-833-1457

Thursday, May 19, 7:00 p.m.
Gallery Talk in By All Accounts exhibit
FREE

Explore Elmhurst history with Nancy Wilson, Elmhurst History Museum’s curator of collections, during extended hours on Third Thursdays when the Museum is open late until 8 p.m. This month, Nancy will provide an orientation to the By All Accounts exhibit with an emphasis on the three biographies of notable Elmhurstians: Prairie poet Carl Sandburg, NASCAR Hall of Famer Fred Lorenzen, and artist Caroline Wade. Location: 2nd floor gallery.

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

Friday, May 20, 7:00 p.m.
Sustainable Home Landscaping
FREE

Americans are shifting away from the “perfect lawn” to a more sustainable home landscape that incorporates native and edible plants. Join local award-winning garden educator, environmentalist, and practicing landscape horticulturist Vicki Nowicki of The Land Office in Downers Grove as she shares tips and practical knowledge to show how to introduce native and edible species into your own yard this spring. Attendees will receive heirloom tomato or other seeds, and discounted drink coupons for Pints (112 S. York St.) to continue the conversation. Priority registration to Elmhurst residents and Elmhurst Public Library card holders. Reservations at elmhurstpubliclibrary.org or 630-279-8696.

Location: Elmhurst Public Library, 125 S. Prospect Ave.
More info: elmhurstpubliclibrary.org or elmhursthistory.org or 630-833-1457