“Mapping the Chicago Portage: Seventeenth-Century Explorations by Jolliet, Marquette, La Salle, and Joutel” Presented by Richard Gross When a local amateur historian, John Swenson, and a podcast by a group of Chicago historians, writers, and artists asserted a route south of Chicago, different from the site
Get ready to shake off those winter blues! Join us in Lock 16’s Vintage Room for our bright and festive Spring Tea. Come enjoy a classic tea menu of Spring inspired homemade scones, Devonshire cream & jam, tea sandwiches, sweets and a selection of teas. Reservations
Travel back to 1848 as Illinois Congressman Abraham Lincoln salutes the opening of the I&M Canal. This free, 45-minute outdoor program will take place at three locations throughout the day, and is the first event in our year-long 175th Anniversary celebration. · 11:00 AM in
A Roman Catholic Mass will be celebrated by Pere Jacques Marquette, S.J., (portrayed by Fr. Thomas Koys) at St. James at Sag Bridge, Northern Illinois’ oldest working Roman Catholic Church. It is situated on a high bluff at the western tip of the glacier-carved Mount Forest Island, overlooking
For its 10th edition, the Expo Chicago art fair has lined up more than 170 exhibitors from 36 countries to present work at the Navy Pier. The fair is slated to run April 14–16, with a VIP preview day on April 13. Among leading galleries that will
SAVE THE DATE! The Boat Captain’s Luncheon, started by Canal Corridor Association Chairman, John Trutter, in 1992, is an annual gathering of canal supporters from throughout the IMCNHA celebrating the work and passion of its volunteers. The 26th Boat Captain's Luncheon will take place on Friday, April
At the Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park and Theatre in Joliet, Illinois. A one-act, one-person play written and performed by Jim Healy, in honor of the 350th anniversary of Father Jacques Marquette and Louis Jolliet’s voyage down the Mississippi River in 1673. $20 admission includes: 7:00 pm Live
The Canal Corridor Association will host an Illinois Humanities Road Scholars Speakers Bureau presentation entitled "Untold African American Stories" by Mary Frances. Ms. Frances will give a brief story about each one of the ten large images of African Americans in her presentation and encourage audience engagement
Celebrate Earth Day with the whole family! Meet a real life National Park Service ranger and learn about America’s first National Heritage Area. You’ll receive a Junior Ranger badge, a certificate, and a whole lot of knowledge that you can share with others about the Illinois &
“The Chicago Portage - A Lasting Gift” Presented by Richard Lanyon The Chicago Portage is not just history; it is still a main vein of Midwest commerce. Local author and historian Dick Lanyon takes us on a journey through the development of a waterway route that
Join the 100 Year Celebration at the Museum of the Grundy County Historical Society! Helpful experts will be present at various exhibits in the museum, including the I&M Canal, fossils, tool shed, and more. You can even watch a demonstration on an old fashioned loom! Refreshments will
The Canal Corridor Association will host an Illinois Humanities Road Scholars Speakers Bureau presentation entitled "Forgottonia, An Intimate Portrait of Rural Illinois" by Chris Vallillo. Don’t miss Chris Vallillo as he performs his new one man show, “Forgottonia,” featuring music he wrote over the last 35 years