“Grow Up St. Louis” by Jim Merkel. This is the definitive look at what it was like to be a kid in St. Louis from 1900 to the present. Jim Merkel, who previously wrote four books about St. Louis, started by interviewing more than 100 people who grew up in the area – rich and poor, black and white, known and unknown. To this, he added many dozens of pictures, first-person stories by others about the early 1900s, commentaries about how kids lived in ten different periods since 1900, along with illuminating facts about each of those periods. Merkel’s presentation will clearly show how much the events of our childhood shaped the rest of our lives. Donations sincerely appreciated. Join us in the Monroe County History Museum’s Allscheid-Metzger Gallery located at 724 Elaine Drive, Waterloo, IL 62298.
“Clothing of the 18th Century” will be presented by Karyn Albers & Kim Barber”. Women of the 18th century, much like us, needed clothing for warmth and comfort. Again, much like us, ideas of warmth and comfort were quickly abandoned when fashion came into play. Clothing played differing roles in the 18th century be it for work, gatherings or formal occasions. This presentation will provide an overview of the history of women’s clothing from Revolutionary War era. Donations sincerely appreciated. The program will be held in the Monroe County History Museum’s Allscheid-Metzger Gallery located at 724 Elaine Drive, Waterloo, IL 62298.
“Beer, Brats & Baseball” by Jim Merkel who tells the story of how Germans came to have a preeminent influence in the Gateway City. It’s told by Jim Merkel, a descendant of Germans who came to St. Louis in the 1850s, and the author of four other books about St. Louis. He tells why so many Germans came to the St. Louis area, how they kept Missouri in the Union, and how anti-German sentiment during World War I damaged their community. In a presentation full of stories and pictures, he’ll discuss the mayors, baseball team owners, authors and others who descended from German immigrants to St. Louis. Donations sincerely appreciated. Join us in the Monroe County History Museum’s Allscheid-Metzger Gallery located at 724 Elaine Drive, Waterloo, IL 62298.
“Basket Weaving Demonstration and Display” by Patricia Handel. Basket weaving through the years, the materials used and who made them will be shared. Every basket had a purpose. Different techniques to make baskets will be demonstrated. Patricia has been making baskets for 27 years and participates in historical re-enactments. Donations sincerely appreciated. The program will be held in the Monroe County History Museum’s Allscheid-Metzger Gallery located at 724 Elaine Drive, Waterloo, IL 62298.
“Tim Berg & the Kurtz Boys” will be providing the entertainment for the annual “Night at the Museums”! Please join us for an enjoyable evening of music, dancing, touring our galleries and visiting with our volunteers in the Monroe County History Museum’s Allscheid-Metzger Gallery located at 724 Elaine Drive, Waterloo, IL 62298. More information later!!
“An America Saga – The Orphan Trains” by John Shontz.
A discussion of the largest single migration of children in the history of the world. Some 350,000 children were cleared off the streets of New York City and sent to small towns and farms across America by train and ship from 1858 through 1929. Some of these children ended up in the Monroe County area. In fact, one family’s ancestor stepped off the train in Burksville Station. This program is the story of the agencies that sent these children west as well as of the children who made these incredible journeys to new homes. These children were usually legally indentured to their new “families” from as young as two years old until they turned 18. The photographs and the information are almost unbelievable! Project–Making a Difference is sponsored by the Upper Musselshell Historic Society of Harlowton, Montana. Donations sincerely appreciated. Please join us for this unique program in the Monroe County History Museum’s Allscheid-Metzger Gallery located at 724 Elaine Drive, Waterloo, IL 62298.
“Navajo Code Talkers” presented by Lola DeGroff. The government would not let them speak their native language in school. Yet, nearly 450 of those Navajo Indians helped the Allies win World War II. Come and learn more about their special contributions to America! Donations sincerely appreciated. Join us in the Monroe County History Museum’s Allscheid-Metzger Gallery located at 724 Elaine Drive, Waterloo, IL 62298.
“The Unreported Story of the Saddam Trial” presented by Paul Schimpf. Monroe County resident and State Senator Paul Schimpf, lead attorney-advisor to the Iraqi prosecutors, discusses his role in the trial of Saddam Hussein. The presentation begins with an overview of the differences between Iraqi and U.S. criminal procedure, then provides background on the crimes that Saddam Hussein stood trial for. Lastly, Schimpf describes the events of the chaotic trial that culminated with Hussein’s execution in December of 2006. Donations sincerely appreciated. Join us for this unique program in the Monroe County History Museum’s Allscheid-Metzger Gallery located at 724 Elaine Drive, Waterloo, IL 62298.
“The Curse of Kaskaskia” by Shane Wagner. “Ghosts by the Riverside: The Haunted History of Chester and Old Kaskaskia” presented by Shane Wagner who will highlight the origins of the Curse of Kaskaskia and the Haunting of Chester’s historic Landmark building along with some of the local ghost stories which are nearly 300 years old. With a recorded history stretching back to the late 17th Century, the Middle Mississippi Valley has a great tradition of folklore through the ages! Today’s program is based on the book, “Ghosts by the Riverside: The Haunted History of Chester and Old Kaskaskia” a study of the origins of various folk legends in the Chester area which was released by Shane Wagner and the Chester Public Library last year. Donations sincerely appreciated. The program will be held in the Monroe County History Museum’s Allscheid-Metzger Gallery located at 724 Elaine Drive, Waterloo, IL 62298.
“Elizabeth Cody Stanton” by Barbara Kay in period dress. Elizabeth Cody Stanton was a leader of the woman’s suffrage movement in the 19th and 20th centuries. As we celebrate the 100th Anniversary of women voting, we should learn about the people who made it possible. Barbara Kay is a retired history teacher from St. Louis. Donations sincerely appreciated. The program will be held in the Monroe County History Museum’s Allscheid-Metzger Gallery located at 724 Elaine Drive, Waterloo, IL 62298.
