Lake Co. Symposium Explores Hidden Stories, Historical Surprises

LAKE COUNTY, IL — Stories of mistaken identity, forgotten diaries, vanished communities and newly uncovered literary treasures anchor this year’s Lake County History Symposium, which will be presented virtually on Zoom from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on January 8 and 15.

January 8 highlights include:

• The symposium’s first-ever keynote by public historian Dr. Patricia Mooney-Melvin of Loyola University Chicago, exploring why local history matters and how community stories connect to national narratives.
• A portrait long thought to depict a prominent Libertyville figure is reexamined after conservation work raises new questions about its true subject.
• An 1899 mystery in Vernon and Ela townships is revisited when a diary entry uncovers clues that challenge long-held assumptions.

January 15 highlights include:

• A behind-the-scenes look at the personal papers of Waukegan-born author Ray Bradbury, including notes from his 1981 day book.
• A fresh examination of the lost 19th-century community of Half Day, separating myth from history and tracing how a town and building lost their identities.
• Two forgotten 1930s community cookbooks reveal unexpected connections between Highland Park and Park Ridge.

The 11th annual symposium carries the theme “Historical Surprises: When Research Reveals the Unexpected,” tying local stories to the nation’s Semiquincentennial, the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, according to a news release from the forest preserve.

The program opens with the symposium’s first-ever keynote address by public historian Dr. Patricia Mooney-Melvin of Loyola University Chicago, who will explore why local history matters and how community stories connect to broader national narratives, according to the forest preserve.

“This year’s Semiquincentennial theme encourages us to take a closer look at the lesser-known stories that shaped our community,” said Museum Educator Sarah Salto.

Discussion follows each evening’s presentations, and all programs are free, but registration is required for each day. Sponsored by USG.