Kankakee County Historical Society ::: Kankakee County Museum

Museum Exhibits

**PRESS RELEASE**

The Kankakee County Museum will host a new changing exhibit on the Civil War from April 13^th 2008 through December 2009. This exhibit will include numerous period photographs and significant artifacts from the Museum’s collection, as well as the following:

Between April 13^th and August 27^th this exhibit will include the original artwork from: Seeing the Elephant: A Story of the Civil War, a children’s book illustrated by locally known artist Ken Stark. The story line involves a ten-year old who wants to join the Federal Army and in the process meets President Abraham Lincoln. Ken has done the art work for other children’s books, including: Growing Seasons; Oh, Brother!; and Orphan Train.

On Sunday April 13^th 2008, Ken will be in the Museum’s Centennial Room from 1 to 4 P.M. to sign copies of Seeing the Elephant, which can be purchased in the Museum Store. At 2 P.M. Museum Executive Director Norman Stevens will a brief talk on “Seeing the Elephant,” the Civil War combat experience and at 3 P.M. drama students from Olivet Nazarene’s “Green Room” drama club will present scenes from “Our American Cousin,” the play being presented in Washington’s Ford Theater on April 14^th 1865, when President Lincoln was mortally wounded by actor John Wilkes Booth. (“Other than that Mrs. Lincoln, how did you like the play?”)

Also, on Sunday August 17^th 2008 Museum Executive Director Norman Stevens will discuss his research for his forthcoming book on the 76^th & 113^th Illinois Volunteer regiments (Kankakee formations) based on the extensive archival material collections of the Kankakee County Museum. Following the lecture there will be a concert of Civil War brass band music by the 33^rd Illinois Volunteer Regimental band. The 33^rd Illinois plays only period instruments and arrangements

HISTORICAL SOCIETY EVENTS:

On Sunday April 20^th, Dennis and JoAnne Dickman, of Herscher, will discuss Kankakee area farmer’s markets.

On Sunday, August 17^th Museum Executive Director Norman Stevens will present some of his initial research for his planned history of the 76^th Illinois and the 113^th Illinois Volunteer Infantry Regiments, both Kankakee area Civil War formations.

On Sunday, September 21^st Museum volunteer Sonia Baspineiro-Edwards will present a program celebrating Spanish-American (Latin) heritage in Kankakee County

October 2008: The membership of the Kankakee County Historical Society will hold its annual business meeting at the Kankakee Country Club on Sunday, October 19^th. Some entertainment will be provided.

December 2008: The Gallery of Trees Exhibit, 2008 Preview Party (for Historical Society members) will be held on Friday, December 5^th.

MUSEUM EVENTS:

April 2008: On Sunday, April 13^th artist Ken Stark will have a book signing event in the Museum’s Centennial Room, starting at 1 PM for his new Civil War children’s book: “Seeing the Elephant: A Story of the Civil War,” At 2 PM Museum Executive Director Norman Stevens will give a brief talk on the Civil War combat experience.

May 2008: The Twentieth Annual Rhubarb Festival, Celebrating the Life and Times of Dr. Abram Lennington Small will be held on Sunday May 18^th. This year there will be lots of music, many concession booths and many new events. Don’t miss it!

October 2008: The Third Annual Kankakee Art League Show will be open in the Museum’s Barnard Gallery from Sunday, October 5^th through Sunday, October 19^th.

December 2008: The Thirtieth Annual Gallery of Trees Exhibit will open to the general public between December 6^th and December 30^th, During the month of December, in addition to its normal hours the Museum is open on Mondays from 10 AM to 4PM. The Museum is closed on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve.