There’s so much to do in our region! Here’s a look at upcoming lectures and educational enrichment.
July
History Camp
July 13-17, 9 a.m.-noon. Learn how early settlers lived, uncover the area’s connection to the Civil War and World War II, and see how the city changed in the 1960s. Ages 8-12. Colonel Palmer House, 660 E. Terra Cotta Road, Crystal Lake, cl-hs.org.
A Toast to Harper Lee: Book Release of “Go Set a Watchman”
July 14, 5:30 p.m. Celebrate the eagerly anticipated release of the latest novel from the author of “To Kill a Mockingbird.” Gail Borden Public Library (GBPL), 270 N. Grove Ave., Elgin, (847) 742-2411, gailborden.info.
An Evening with Revolver: How The Beatles Re-Imagined Rock n’ Roll in the Studio
July 15, 7 p.m. Join award-winning Beatles scholar Robert Rodriguez as he explains how this famous rock ‘n roll group used the recording studio to achieve a unique sound. Gail Borden Library, Elgin, (847) 742-2411.
Of Birds and Murder: The Life of Nathan Leopold
July 18, 7-9 p.m. This program examines the life of Nathan Leopold, the famous Chicago killer, with an emphasis on his passion for birds. He gained undying infamy, along with Richard Loeb, by murdering 14-year old Bobby Franks in 1924. Adults only. Elgin Public Museum, 225 Grand Blvd., Elgin, (847) 741-6655, elginpublicmuseum.org.
Gospelfest
July 19, 3-6 p.m. Be inspired by Lake County’s best gospel voices. This annual favorite features choirs, solo performances and praise dancers that will bring you to your feet. Greenbelt Cultural Center, 1899 W. Winchester Road, Libertyville. Registration: (847) 968-3321, lcfpd.org.
Living History Open Houses
July 19, Aug. 16, noon-4 p.m. Come visit this Greek Revival 1854 restored house, and recently recognized historic landmark to learn more about the families that once called it home. Powers-Walker House Historic Landmark in Glacial Park, Ringwood, (815) 338-6223, mccdistrict.org.
Metaphysically Fit Fest
July 25, noon-9 p.m. A day of entertainment, yoga, spiritual healing, vendor shopping and learning about better health practices. Bicentennial Riverfront Park, 201 E. Hydraulic St., Yorkville, (630) 881-1095, metaphysicallyfitfest.com.
Walk on the Wildflower Side: Independence Grove
July 25, 10 a.m.-noon. Uncover the secrets of wildflowers. Learn the folklore and healing powers they hold. Learn to identify some of the lovely wildflowers found in Lake County. Independence Grove Forest Preserve, 1899 W. Winchester Road, Libertyville. Registration: (847) 968-3321, lcfpd.org.
Each One, Reach One: Fireside Interviews
July 26, 1:30-3 p.m. To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, prominent Elgin leaders and role models will be interviewed by their children, grandchildren or friends. GBPL, Elgin, (847) 742-2411, gailborden.info.
Wanders at Wingate
July 26, Aug. 30, 2-3 p.m. Natural area volunteers share their love of Wingate Prairie and its residents with anyone who wants to better understand and appreciate this precious place. Registration req. The Nature Center, 330 N. Main St., Crystal Lake, (815) 455-1763, crystallakeparks.org.
Cantigny Park’s 60th Anniversary Celebration
July 30, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Celebrate Chicago Tribune magnate Col. Robert R. McCormick’s birthday and the 60 years since his estate became a park open to the public. Cantigny, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton, (630) 668-5161, cantigny.org.
Origins of Cellular Life, by Dr. Jack Szostak
July 31, 8 p.m. Fermilab, Ramsey Auditorium, Kirk Road and Pine streets, Batavia, (630) 840-2787, fnal.gov/culture.
August
French Connection Day
Aug. 9, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Cantigny Park stays connected to its roots with its annual celebration of French culture through family-friendly activities. Cantigny, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton, (630) 668-5161, cantigny.org.
Summer Sunday at Colonel Palmer House
Aug. 9, 1-4 p.m. “Wheels of Progress: 150 Years and Still Turning.” Meet a working team of oxen, a group of high wheel bicyclists, early automobiles and many more examples of transportation over the past 150 years. Colonel Palmer House, 660 E. Terra Cotta Road, Crystal Lake, cl-hs.org.
Harvest Market
Aug. 13, Sept. 3, 9 a.m-2 p.m. Gail Borden Library provides crafts, summer reading information and book displays. GBPL, Elgin, (847) 742-2411.
National Night Out
Aug. 4, 5:30-8:30 p.m. Generates support and participation in local anti-crime efforts to strengthen neighborhood spirit and community relations. North School Park, Eastman St./Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights, ahpd.org.
Reflections: Each One, Reach One
Aug. 6, 7-9 p.m. To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, prominent Elgin leaders and role models were interviewed by their children, grandchildren or friends. Gail Borden Library, Elgin, (847) 742-2411.
Living History Open Houses
Aug. 16, noon-4 p.m. Come visit this Greek Revival 1854 restored house, and recently recognized historic landmark to learn more about the families that once called it home. Powers-Walker House Historic Landmark in Glacial Park, Ringwood, (815) 338-6223, mccdistrict.org.
Playing in the Past
Aug. 18, 1-2 p.m. Play with toys and learn games that have entertained children for centuries while exploring the Museum’s newest exhibit, “Growing Up in Lake County.” Lake County Discovery Museum, 27277 Forest Preserve Dr., Wauconda, (847) 968-3400, lakecountydiscoverymuseum.org.
Geodes and Gems
Aug. 19, 1-2 p.m. One of the coolest phenomena of geology, these stones look deceptively like a regular rock at first glance, but when cracked open, they reveal beautiful quartz formations. Discover how geodes formed and crack one open for yourself. Registration req. Elgin Public Museum, 225 Grand Blvd., Elgin, (847) 741-6655, elginpublicmuseum.org.
iFest
Aug. 29, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Gail Borden Public Library joins Elgin City of Peace, Peace Teens, Coalition for a Safe and Healthy Elgin and ECCO to bring peace crane crafts, face painting, books and materials, peace balloons and story times about American and international peacemakers. GBPL, Elgin, (847) 742-2411.