“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.
“Calling and Building Turkey Calls” by Mitchell Norris who has been president of the St. Louis Longbeards NWTF for 25 years. He is also a master at making “Calls” for many local wild life species including owls often using unusual and free materials. His program will include information on hunting safety, the art of calling turkeys and building turkey calls. Interested guests will have the opportunity to build a turkey call. Although the turkey call would probably be of more use in the spring; making one now provides practice time! Donations sincerely appreciated. This program will be held in the Monroe County History Museum’s Allscheid-Metzger Gallery located at 724 Elaine Drive, Waterloo, IL 62298.
“Christmas Party” with Alan & R.J. providing the music for your enjoyment and dancing pleasure. Spend a little holiday time visiting with friends, sharing favorite stories and dancing. There will be light refreshments. If you have friends who would enjoy the afternoon or goodies you would like to share; please bring them along! Donations sincerely appreciated. Join us in the Monroe County History Museum’s Allscheid-Metzger Gallery located at 724 Elaine Drive, Waterloo, IL 62298. The History Museum will close at 4:00 P.M. for the season.
