Music of the Civil Rights Movement with Chris Vallillo, a singing success

A big thank you to the Scholar Program of the Illinois Humanities Council for sponsoring the "Music of the Civil Rights Movement" program with Chris Vallillo that we hosted at the Arlington Heights Historical Museum last Thursday, 10/13, and thanks to all those who showed up for the program and sang along!

Chris led the room in song as he told us the story behind the musical movement that inspired a generation of change. Songs like "Keep Your Eyes on the Prize," "This Little Light of Mine," and "Ain't Nobody Gonna Turn Me Around" were all featured next to stories of the Freedom Riders, Martin Luther King Jr., and the Freedom Marches on Washington and Birmingham.

Missed this program? Watch video of this fantastic performance on our Facebook and Instagram pages and save the date to see Jimmy Keane's "Irish Labor and Irish Music in Chicago" on Saturday, November 12th at 7pm.

 

Don't Forget! This is the last week to register for Festival of the Wreaths! To register a wreath or to learn more visit our website: http://www.ahmuseum.org/programs-events/festival-of-the-wreaths/

Holly Jolly Workshop instructed by Urban Garden's, Cindy Platt

Thank you to Cindy Platt of Urban Garden in Arlington Heights for teaching a class on ways to create a beautiful holiday wreath last Thursday.  So full of tips that none of us had ever known... For instance, when using a grape vine wreath base, you aren't supposed to keep it wrapped the way you buy it, but instead pull it apart so the vine is looser.  I know, right!?  Gives the wreath a completely different look.  If you are looking for a gorgeous flower arrangement, Cindy is your floral designer.  Check out http://www.urbangardenflowers.com/ and see for yourself.  Better yet, visit the shop located in downtown AH.    

Here are some pics from Thursday's class.  Be sure to mark your calendars for the viewing and bidding of the wreaths which will start November 22 and ends December 4.  This is a chance to see creative wreaths from area businesses, youth groups, families, individuals and organizations.  All proceeds raised by the wreath auction will benefit the museum.  For more information on the Festival of the Wreaths, visit http://www.ahmuseum.org/programs-events/festival-of-the-wreaths/

Wreath Registration Deadline is October 21

The deadline to register a wreath is approaching, Have you decided what the theme will be yet?  The museum is in full "Festival of the Wreaths" mode and is expecting a great turn out for the 2nd annual event. 

For inspiration as you ponder your wreath design, you can check out a slideshow of wreaths from 2015 here.  Last year, the event received 78 donated wreaths and were displayed in the museum for the public to view and place bids.  The money earned through this event helped to support the Arlington Heights Historical Society's mission of preserving Arlington Height's history.

The Society hopes to see your wreath displayed on the walls of the museum this year!  For more information about the Festival of the Wreaths, check out the website here. Registration can be made in person by filling out at form found at the museum or online here.

Lucky Junk Wreath Workshop Nets Wreath Donation for Festival of the Wreaths

 



Wreath made at Lucky Junk, located in Arlington Heights, by Terry Karow
Photo by Arlington Heights Historical Society

The wreath, entitled “Once Upon a Christmas,” was created by Terry Karow from vintage materials at a special workshop held at Lucky Junk, 405 S. Arlington Heights Rd., on September 13. The wreath will be donated to the Arlington Heights Historical Society for the silent auction fundraiser Festival of the Wreaths, November 22-December 4, at the Heritage Gallery of the Historical Museum, 110 W. Fremont Street, Arlington Heights.
Vintage scraps of lace and ribbon, along with vintage ornaments, old silver cutlery, and other vintage pieces were combined with a rusted piece of wrought iron fencing for a unique holiday vibe. The workshop was led by Donna Castellanos, who created the wreath entitled Lucky Loco, which won first prize in the Artisan/Professional Category in the inaugural Festival of the Wreaths last year. Lucky Junk is owned by Janet McCarthy, and is located at 405 S. Arlington Heights Road.

Due to the success of the September workshop, Lucky Junk has added another wreath workshop called Woodsy Autumn Wreath on Tuesday, October 11, 6 PM-8:30 PM, cost is $90 and all materials are provided.  Register for the workshop by calling Lucky Junk at 847-440-6633.    

If you would like to participate in the Festival of the Wreaths by donating a wreath, go to www.ahmuseum.org and register online or stop by the museum to pick up a registration form. The deadline to register your wreath is Friday, October 21. For more details about Festival of the Wreaths, go to the same website or call 847.255-1225.